North American Butterflies and Moths List

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Butterflies of North America

Two-barred Flasher (Astraptes fulgerator (incl. azul))
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Two-barred Flasher (Astraptes fulgerator (incl. azul))

Wing span: 1 7/8 - 2 3/8 inches (4.8 - 6.1 cm).

Identification: Tailless; wings brown. Upperside of body and basal part of wings are iridescent blue; forewing has a white band and small white spots near the apex. Male has a costal fold containing scent scales on the forewing. Underside of forewing has a white patch at base; head and thorax are yellow below.

Life history: Adults rest upside down under large leaves. Males perch in sunny openings to wait for females.

Flight: All year in South Texas.

Caterpillar hosts: Coyotillo in Texas and Vitex in Mexico.

Adult food: Flower nectar or bird droppings.

Habitat: Tropical forests near rivers or streams.

Range: Argentina north through Central America to the lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Strays to central Texas and southeastern New Mexico.

Conservation: Populations in the lower Rio Grande Valley should be monitored and conserved.

The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.

Management needs: Maintain habitats in the lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas.

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

Two-barred Flasher (Astraptes fulgerator (incl. azul))
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