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Species Dione moneta - Mexican Silverspot - Hodges#4414

Dione moneta, Mexican Silverspot - Dione moneta

Show images of: caterpillars · adults · both

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Subphylum Hexapoda (Hexapods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)

Superfamily Papilionoidea (Butterflies and Skippers)

Family Nymphalidae (Brush-footed Butterflies)

Subfamily Heliconiinae (Heliconians and Fritillaries)

Tribe Heliconiini (Longwings or Heliconians)

Genus Dione (Silverspots)

Species moneta (Mexican Silverspot - Hodges#4414)

Hodges Number

4414

Explanation of Names

Dione moneta Hübner, [1825]

Identification

Underwing pattern extremely similar to Gulf Fritillary, but with a more distinct red patch along the leading edge of the forewing. On the upperwings there is a very strong contrast between the darker inner sections and brighter outer sections.

Range

Az to TX, mostly southmost TX, but strays to Dallas / Mexico to Brazil (MPG)

Habitat

Forest edges and openings

Season

recorded year-round in so. TX (MPG)

Food

Adults are nectar feeders; caterpillars feed on foliage of Passiflora spp.

Life Cycle

Jan Dauphin's life history study

Remarks

Behavior is fairly distinct from Gulf Fritillary, usually flying higher and faster.

Internet References

Moth Photographers Group - MPG

Butterflies of America - BOA

Butterflies and Moths of North America - BAMONA

NABA-South Texas

Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose on 6 July, 2009 - 9:45pm
Additional contributions by Mike Quinn, David Ferguson
Last updated 22 May, 2016 - 10:57pm

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