Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Atlides halesus (
Cramer, 1777)
Explanation of Names
According to
University of Florida, quoting Opler and Krizek (1984):
Atlides is possibly an incorrect formation for Atlantides, meaning the "race of Atlas". The specific epithet
halesus is an eponym for English botanist
Stephen Hales.
Numbers
2 subspecies recognized:
halesus (Cramer, 1777), and
corcorani Clench, 1942 (Pelham, 2008;
(1))
Identification
Iridescent bluish green to purple on the thorax and basal half of the wings. Ventrally all of the wings have a crimson spot near the base; ventral forewing otherwise plain brown (female) or brown with patch of blue (male); ventral hind wing with three rows of greenish spots near the apex. Males have a large scent patch on the upper side of the front wing.
(2)Range
southern half of US -
Map (MPG)
ssp. halesus (Cramer, 1777): Mostly Southeastern U.S.A. to New England
ssp. corcorani Clench, 1942: SW Oregon, California, and southwestern U.S. into Mexico.
Season
year round in southmost states (MPG)
Food
Larvae feed on mistletoe, live oak, western sycamore, and desert ironwood.
(2)Remarks
These butterflies can be visually sexed by the underside of the forewing: males (left) have an iridescent blue patch, which females lack (right)
Print References
Whittaker, P.L. 1985. Population biology of the great purple hairstreak, Atlides halesus, in Texas (Lycaenidae). Journal of the Lepidopterist’s Society 38(3): 179-185.