Species Euptoieta hegesia - Mexican Fritillary - Hodges#4448

4448

Subspecies meridiana:

Euptoieta hegesia (Cramer)

Two weakly defined subspecies are usually recognized. Subspecies meridiania occurs on the mainland of both North and South America, while those found on the Greater Antilles, Bahamas, and Caymen Islands belong to the "typical" nominate subspecies hegasia. Other subspecies have been named from islands, but are based on differences that are inconsistent, and they generally are not recognized as distinct.

Distinguished from Euptoieta Claudia most easily by the lack of pattern on the discal area of the hind wing.

Resident in far south Texas. Strays into and perhaps resident in se. Arizona. - Map Strays northward much further as rare individuals. Is resident on Cuba and in the Bahamas, and could stray into southernmost Florida. Greater Antilles, Bahamas, northern Mexico to Argentina.

Open sunny areas where foodplants can be found.

June-Dec in south Texas - MPG

Primarily plants in the families Passifloraceae, Turneraceae and Violaceae, particularly Passiflora and Turnera.

Moth Photographers Group - MPG

Butterflies of America - BOA