North American Butterflies and Moths List

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Butterflies of North America

Butterflies of Northern Mexico

Jalapus Cloudywing (Achalarus [Thessia] jalapus)

Jalapus Cloudywing (Achalarus jalapus [Plötz])

Wing span: 1 5/8 - 1 7/8 inches (4.2 - 5 cm).

Identification: Upperside is dark brown; forewing has dark rectangular spots. Male forewing has a costal fold enclosing scent scales. Hindwing is lobed at the rear and has white fringe. Underside of hindwing is dark brown with 2 darker bands.

Life history: Not reported.

Flight: Many broods in Mexico; strays to South Texas in July and September-October.

Caterpillar hosts: Not reported.

Adult food: Flower nectar.

Habitat: Tropical forests, especially near streams.

Range: Colombia north through Central America to Mexico. Strays north to the lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas.

Conservation: Not necessary for a rare stray.

The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.

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.

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.

Jalapus Cloudywing (Achalarus [Thessia] jalapus)
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