Identification
Underside of both wings is dark grey with a red band crossing postmedian (ie more towards the back edge of the wing than the body). Above, some bright blue is visible in flight. Daniels
(1) says metallic blue scales above indicate the female.
Range
FL north to CT, west to KS and TX.
Habitat
Woodland openings and edges, sandy fields.
Food
Eggs are laid on fallen leaves, They feed on detritus and on leaves of plants in the families Fagaceae, Anacardiaceae and Malvaceae. They feed on Mango (Mangifera indica), Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) Winged Sumac (Rhus copallina) and other trees.
Life Cycle
Hibernate as chrysalids and fourth-stage caterpillars
Print References
Butterflies through Binoculars
(2)
Butterflies of Florida
(1)Internet References
Butterflies and Moths of North America species account and county records map
