Gold-bordered Hairstreak (Rekoa palegon [Stoll])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/8 inches (2.3 - 2.8 cm).
Identification: Upperside dull brown. Underside is gray with orange-brown outer margins and irregular stripes.
Life history: Not reported.
Flight: One; in early November in South Texas, May-December in Mexico.
Caterpillar hosts: Plants in Asteraceae family, and many others.
Adult food: Nectar from flowers of Senecio and Eupatorium.
Habitat: Wide variety of disturbed tropical areas.
Range: Argentina north to Mexico. One stray recorded in South Texas.
Conservation: Not required for rare stray.
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. Smith, D. S., L. D. Miller, and J. Y. Miller. 1994. The butterflies of the West Indies and South Florida. Oxford University Press, Oxford. 264 pages, 32 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann