Explanation of Names
Author of species is Poey, 1831.
Charles Felipe Felipe Poey y Aloy was Cuban, (1799-1891) and author of
Centurie de Lepidoptere de L'Ile de Cuba (Paris, 1832, or 1831?).
It seems likely Poey named the butterfly for "Atala", the Native American heroine of an 1801 French novel by
Chateaubriand,
Atala ou les amours de deux sauvages dans le désert. (Based on Internet searches.)
Identification
Distinctive color and pattern.
Range
Southeastern Florida including (formerly?) the Keys, Bahamas, and Cuba. Florida subspecies is endangered.
Habitat
Subtropical shady hammocks and neighboring open areas; gardens with ornamental cycads.
Season
Throughout year (many broods), most common in early summer.
Life Cycle
Larvae feed on Coontie, Zamia pumila, a native cycad, as well as introduced cycads.
Internet References
Florida Coonties and Atala Butterflies--Univ. Florida, a good article on status and rearing
Contributed by
Troy Bartlett on 16 February, 2004 - 12:32pm
Additional contributions by
cotinisLast updated 22 March, 2006 - 11:42am
