Species Myscelia ethusa - Mexican Bluewing - Hodges#4528

4528

Blue Wave

Myscelia ethusa (Doyère)

Orig. Comb: Cybdelis ethusa Doyère, [1840]

Upperwing pattern is unmistakeable, with parallel bands alternating black and brilliant iridescent blue, often fading to purple toward the posterior. Underwing pattern is cryptic, mottled in various shades of brown, blending in excellently with tree bark and dead leaves, and difficult to identify until it spreads its wings or flies.

s. TX to S. Amer. - Map (MPG)

woodlands

Year-round in s. TX (MPG)

Only known larval host in the US is Vasey's Adelia, Adelia vaseyi (Euphorbiaceae). In the tropics feeds on the genus Dalechampia.

Adults found mainly at rotting fruit.

Seems to be much less common in spring than other seasons, but this spring there has also been a fairly intense drought in the LRGV, so this may not be a representative year.

Wauer, R.H. 2004. Butterflies of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Johnson Books, Boulder, CO.

Moth Photographers Group - MPG

Butterflies of America - BOA

Butterflies and Moths of North America - BAMONA