Aztec Scallopwing (Staphylus azteca)
Wing span: Not reported.
Identification: Hindwing margins are somewhat scalloped. Upperside is black with 2 dark bands on each wing; forewing has a few very small white dots near the apex.
Life history: Not reported.
Flight: Many flights from March-September in Mexico.
Caterpillar hosts: Celosia nitida and Achyranthes aspera in the pigweed family (Amaranthaceae).
Adult food: Presumably flower nectar.
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical.
Range: Mexico south to Brazil. One stray female was caught in west Texas in June but may be a misidentified Staphylus mazans.
Conservation: Not necessary for a rare stray.
Management needs: None reported.
References:
Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press, Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann