Mazans Scallopwing (Staphylus mazans [Reakirt])
Wing span: 1 - 1 3/16 inches (2.5 - 3 cm).
Identification: Hindwing margins are scalloped; fringes are completely dark brown. Upperside is black with 2 dark bands on each wing; forewing has a few small white dots near the apex.
Life history: Caterpillars eat leaves of the host plants.
Flight: Many flights throughout the year in South Texas.
Caterpillar hosts: Lambsquarters (Chenopodium) in the goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae), and amaranth (Amaranthus) in the pigweed family (Amaranthaceae).
Adult food: Not reported.
Habitat: Weedy areas in parks, small clearings and edges in tropical woodlands.
Range: Central Texas south to Veracruz, Mexico.
Conservation: Not usually required.
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: 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