Genus Hamadryas - Crackers

Hamadryas Hübner, 1806

"Cracker" refers to the sound that males make with their wings

Four species have been recorded in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Three of these species are in the Guide; the other is the Red Cracker (H. amphinome). A single record of a fifth species (H. iphthime, Brown Cracker) was documented near Austin TX, but the origin of that specimen is in question, as the species is not known to occur any closer than Veracruz, Mexico. Six additional species are known from Mexico.

The butterflies of the Hamadryas genus (Nymphaliinae) always land with their wings laid flat and head downward. Upperwing patterns are often cryptic, blending in very well with tree bark, while underwing patterns are usually more colorful.

Rare strays in southern Texas. Widespread in Mexico, the West Indies, and Central America.

Crackers are strictly tropical butterflies and very rarely stray near the Mexican border.

Males make a cracking sound with their wings to attract mates.