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On Aug 16, 2006, Magpye from NW Qtr, AR (Zone 6a) wrote:
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/4 inches (2.2 - 3.2 cm).
Identification: Upperside of male brown with purple iridescence; female dull gray. Underside of both wings green with silver-white postmedian band.
Life history: Eggs are laid singly on host plant fruits; caterpillars live inside the fruit pod and eat the young seeds.
Flight: Two flights from August-December.
Caterpillar hosts: In Florida: Balloon vine (Cardiospermum halicacabum) of the soapberry family (Sapindaceae). Many other hosts in other parts of the range.
Adult food: Nectar from flowers of balloon vine and Antigonon leptotus.
Habitat: Openings and edges of dry tropical forests or scrub, Sonoran Desert.
Range: Argentina north to Southern California, southern Arizona, South Texas, southern Florida and the Keys.
On Nov 18, 2006, TexasPuddyPrint from Edinburg, TX wrote:
It's always a joy to find this little hairstreak. The green coloring is quite breathtaking. This butterfly can usually be found perched on a leaf of it's larval host...the balloon vine. Very camouflaged when it perches with it's wings closed so it's hard to find unless it flits around when you walk by. Then it's just a matter of hoping it doesn't decide perch way up high and stays put for photographs :o)
