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Coyote Cloudywing (Achalarus toxeus [Plötz])
Wing span: 1 5/8 - 1 15/16 inches (4.2 - 5 cm).
Identification: Forewings are pointed. Upperside is dark brown with darker rectangular spots. Hindwing usually has white fringe.
Life history: Females lay eggs singly on leaves near the trunk of the host tree. Caterpillars eat young leaves.
Flight: Three broods from February-November.
Caterpillar hosts: Texas ebony (Pithecellobium flexicaule) in the pea family (Fabaceae).
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Edges of river woods, city flower gardens.
Range: Panama north through Central America and Mexico to central Texas. Strays north to southern Arizona.
Conservation: Not usually required.
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.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann
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 1999 -
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