Pavon Emperor (Doxocopa pavon [Latreille])
Wing span: 2 3/16 - 2 11/16 inches (5.6 - 6.9 cm).
Identification: Upperside of male is iridescent blue-purple; female is paler. Both sexes have a small orange patch near the tip of the forewing and a white median band across both wings. Underside of both is paler and does not have silvery iridescence.
Life history: Males perch in full sun on trees to watch for females.
Flight: In South Texas: May and August-December.
Caterpillar hosts: Tree and shrub Celtis in the elm family (Ulmaceae).
Adult food: Flower nectar, rotting fruit, and bird droppings.
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests.
Range: Bolivia north to northern Mexico. Strays occasionally to the lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas.
Conservation: Not required for a 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. Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press, Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann