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| Goatweed Butterfly |
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Genus: Anaea Species: andria |
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Comments: |
| Named after its larval host, the Goatweed Butterfly has a leaf-like pattern on the wings below. Rarely encountered in large numbers, adults have a strong, rapid flight. Adults perch with their wings closed on the trunks of trees, branches or on the ground and can be quite a challenge to find, let alone closely approach. The butterfly prefers rotting fruit and sap over flower nectar. It produces distinct seasonal forms. |
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Life
Cycle: |
Broods: |
multiple generations; adults overwinter |
Egg: |
gray-green, laid singly on host leaves |
Larva: |
gray-green with light head and numerous tiny light spots |
Host Plants: |
Silver Croton |
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Host
Plants: |
Host
Plants: |
Silver Croton |
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Habitat: |
Habitat: |
dry pinelands, woodland edges and adjacent open areas |
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Wingspan: |
Inches: |
2.25 - 3 |
Centimeters: |
5.7 - 7.6 |
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Appearance: |
Sexes: |
similar, although female is lighter with more extensive markings |
Compare: |
Question Mark has irregular wing edges and dark dorsal forewing spots. |
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| Markings: |
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Above:
- pointed forewings and hindwing tail; male is bright reddish orange; female is lighter orange with dark markings and pale band along wing margins
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Below:
- seasonally variable; brownish gray resembling a dead leaf; winter-form is more heavily patterned, has longer hindwing tails and a more pronounced forewing point
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Abundance: |
occasional; local |
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Map Legend: Resident (green) | Stray
(Red) |
