Marius Hairstreak (Rekoa marius [Cramer])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/4 inches (2.2 - 3.2 cm).
Identification: Upperside of male dark iridescent blue; female gray. Hindwing has orange eyespot near tail.
Life history: Not reported.
Flight: Probably flies all year in Mexico; September-December in South Texas.
Caterpillar hosts: Legumes, malpighias, and many other in several different families.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Disturbed tropical areas.
Range: Paraguay north to Sonora, Mexico. Rare stray to South Texas.
Conservation: Not required for rare tropical stray.
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.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann