North American Butterflies and Moths List

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Butterflies of North America

Monk (Asbolis capucinus)
JPG -- species photo

Monk (Asbolis capucinus [Lucas])

Wing span: 1 7/8 - 2 3/8 inches (4.8 - 6 cm).

Identification: Upperside of male is black; forewing with a gray stigma. Upperside of female is a paler brownish black with a pale diffuse patch on the forewing. Underside of both sexes is mahogany red and black.

Life history: Not reported.

Flight: Three to four broods throughout the year in Florida.

Caterpillar hosts: Various palms including palmetto (Sabal), date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), and coconut (Cocos nucifera).

Adult food: Nectar from hibiscus and other large flowers.

Habitat: Subtropical disturbed or natural areas near palms.

Range: Peninsular Florida, the Keys, and the West Indies.

Conservation: Not usually required.

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 G. O. Krizek. 1984. Butterflies east of the Great Plains. Johns 
     Hopkins University Press, Baltimore. 294 pages, 54 color plates.

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

Monk (Asbolis capucinus)
distribution map
map legend

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