Definite Patch (Chlosyne definita [Aaron])
Wing span: 1 1/8 - 1 1/2 inches (3 - 3.8 cm).
Identification: Upperside is brown with orange and yellow bands and small white submarginal dots. Underside of hindwing has an orange submarginal band with one white spot.
Life history: Males patrol gulches and ridges, just above the ground, to find females.
Flight: Many broods from April-October.
Caterpillar hosts: Stenandrium barbatum in the Acanthaceae family.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Openings in subtropical thorn forest, shrubby desert hills.
Range: Local and uncommon. Southern Mexico north to South Texas and rarely to southern Arizona.
Conservation: Uncommon, but widely distributed and not usually of concern.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G3 - Very rare or local throughout its range or found locally in a restricted range (21 to 100 occurrences). (Threatened throughout its range).
Management needs: None reported.
References:
Opler, P. A. and V. Malikul. 1992. A field guide to eastern butterflies. Peterson field guide #4. Houghton-Mifflin Co., Boston. 396 pages, 48 color plates. Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press, Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates. Tilden, J. W. 1986. A field guide to western butterflies. Houghton-Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. 370 pages, 23 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann
State and Regional References:
Opler, Paul A. 1999. Peterson Field Guide to Western Butterflies, revised edition. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. Stanford, R.E. and P.A. Opler. 1993. Atlas of Western USA Butterflies. Privately published, Denver, Colo.