Elada Checkerspot (Texola elada [Hewitson])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/4 inches (2.2 - 3.2 cm).
Identification: Dark brown with rows of small brownish orange spots. Underside of hindwing has a median band of two or three rows of white spots, and a red-orange marginal band.
Life history: Males patrol slowly during the day for females. Eggs are laid in groups on the host plant; caterpillars feed gregariously when young.
Flight: Several broods from April-October.
Caterpillar hosts: Hairy tubetongue (Siphonoglossa pilosella) in Texas, yellow composites in Mexico.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Subtropical thorn forest and scrub.
Range: Southern Mexico north to central Texas and central Arizona.
Conservation: Not usually of concern.
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 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. Tilden, J. W. 1986. A field guide to western butterflies. Houghton-Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. 370 pages, 23 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann