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CHECKLIST
OF LEPIDOPTERA (Moths
& Butterflies) OF
SANTA ANA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Compiled
by Edward C. Knudson, 8517
Burkhart, Houston, TX, 77055
Updated
Sept. 1997 The Insect order Lepidoptera includes the Moths and Butterflies and includes over 11,300 described species in America north of Mexico. About a tenth of these species are known to occur in Santa Ana, or are likely to occur on the refuge. The order is subdivided into about 75 families, of which about 60 could be expected to occur in Santa Ana. The True Butterflies include 10 families and the Skipper Butterflies include 2 families within the order. Butterflies may be seen on the refuge year round, though they are most abundant in the summer and fall. Many species occurring in Santa Ana are tropical in origin and are found only in extreme south Texas, or in southern Florida and Arizona. Moths far outnumber butterflies in species, but are seldom observed by most visitors, as nearly all fly only at night and hide during the daytime, or have colors and patterns, which serve to conceal them in their resting places. The Lepidoptera have an important place in the biology of the refuge. The
larval stage (caterpillars) are nearly all plant feeders and may be
quite destructive to the vegetation at times, though parasites and
predators tend to keep populations in check. Plants also have various
adaptations which serve to' protect them from caterpillars. These include physical defenses such as spines (Acacia spp.) or tough leathery
leaves (Anacua); chemical defenses in the form of toxins; and
guards, in the form of ants, which may nest in certain plants and
will destroy all caterpillars they can find. Both the larval and adult
stages of Lepidoptera form an important food source for many kinds of
reptiles, birds, and small mammals. Lepidoptera also play a
significant role in the pollination of flowering plants. The life cycle of Lepidoptera is known as complete
metamorphosis. It begins with tiny eggs, laid by the adult female on or near the
food plant. These hatch into small caterpillars, which begin feeding
and undergo a series of molts or instars. When the larva is full grown,
it molts again, but this time into a pupa. In many moths the pupa is enclosed within
a cocoon, which is usually spun from silk glands on the last instar
larva. In true butterflies no cocoon is formed and the pupa is referred
to as the chrysalis. During the pupal stage the larval structure
transforms into the adult insect or imago. Upon emergence, the
adult expands its wings and is ready to fly in an hour or less. In most
species, the adult lives only one or two weeks, though in some species
the adult migrates or hibernates during the winter and thus lives for
several months. In cold climates, the insect may pass the winter
at any stage of development, though this is constant within each
species. This waiting period is called diapause. Diapause may also
occur during dry seasons. Adult
Lepidoptera do not feed on plant tissue, as do the larvae, but usually
have a coiled proboscis with which they suck nectar from flowers, or
nutritious fluids from sap flows, rotting fruit, or even carrion. Some
do not feed at all during the adult stage. The larvae usually feed on
leaves, buds, flowers, or bore into stems of plants. Some feed on dead
leaves or other detritus, or almost any organic material including
flour, chocolate, furs, and wool. Adult
moths, as well as many other insects are often attracted to lights at
night, especially ultraviolet light. The explanation for this is
complex and seems to be a combination of an attractance-avoidance
response. Many moths (and some butterflies) are attracted to fermented
sugary baits, which are usually painted on trees and checked during the
night with a flashlight (or by day in the case of butterflies). This is
an excellent way to observe many moths that might not otherwise be seen.
Although collecting of Moths and Butterflies is not permitted within Santa Ana Refuge, observing and
photographing butterflies is an activity to be encouraged. Excellent
field guides are available to enable identification of the many species
that occur on the refuge. Characteristics
of the Refuge and its Lepidoptera Perhaps
the most striking thing about Santa Ana to the visitor is how different
it is from the surrounding country of the lower Rio Grande valley. It
is, in fact, a small representation of what the entire area looked like before
most of the land was cleared for agriculture. Technically this
area is part of the Tamaulipan Biotic province, and represents an
incursion into the U.S. of a subtropical flora and fauna, which is
characteristic of northeastern Mexico. True tropical forests are found
only about 150 miles south of the border at this point. Many of the species
of Lepidoptera are really only temporary inhabitants of this area,
as they are unable to survive the cooler winters and thus must
recolonize the area every summer. Other species may never really become
established, even for one season, but may occasionally stray northward
on favorable winds or storms. Most of the commoner species, however, are
adapted to the subtropical climate and occur year round. Many of these
species, or close relatives are also found in southern Florida, which
does have some truly tropical areas. However, since there is easy access
to wandering species across northern Mexico, the tropical Lepidoptera
fauna is richer than that of Florida. Format
of the Checklist The
checklist is arranged according to the most recent checklist available
(Check List of the Lepidoptera of America north of Mexico, (Hodges,
et.al. 1984). Each species is numbered for convenience and this number
is listed in front of each species name. There are some species in Santa
Ana Refuge, which have no number, as they were either discovered to
occur in the U.S., or described, since the checklist - was sent to
press. The scientific name is given next, which consists of the genus
(beginning with a capital letter); the species name (never capitalized);
and the name of the author of the species (abbreviated). If the author's
name is enclosed in parentheses, this indicates the species was later
transferred to a different genus from that in which it was originally
described. In some cases, there will be a third name, or subspecies, but
all entomologists do not accept the use of subspecies. Although
scientific names are difficult to learn and pronounce, the serious
student of Lepidoptera should try to learn them, in preference to the
common names, which are often confusing. There
is considerable dispute over both the scientific and common nomenclature
of butterflies. I have chosen to follow Neck, 1996 in both areas, as
this is the book to which most persons studying butterflies in Texas,
will refer. Not
enough is yet known about the Lepidoptera of Santa Ana Refuge to permit
the inclusion of seasonal distribution, but in general it is apparent
that the tropical elements in the fauna tend to be more abundant in the
late summer and fall. The table given below indicates the relative
abundance or rarity of species. As
it is not possible to include illustrations of the species, some of the
characteristics of the different families and subfamilies are given in
the text of the checklist. A-
Abundant (occurring year round in large to very large numbers) C-
Common (Occurring most of the year in moderate to occasionally large
numbers) U-
Uncommon (Seasonal, occurring in small to moderate numbers) 0-
Occasional (Probably not present every year, but occasionally present in
moderate numbers) R- Rare (Not usually present, when found only in small numbers)
X-
Accidental (Recorded only once or twice, probably as a stray) H-
Hypothetical (Not recorded from Santa Ana, but has been found in similar
habitats nearby, or recorded as accidental from the tropics to the north
of the area) Family
HESPERIIDAE: Skipper Butterflies This family includes most of the Skipper Butterflies and is very well represented in Santa Ana Refuge. Skippers differ from True Butterflies in having more robust bodies, usually narrower, pointed forewings, antennae, which are thickened at the tip, but not clubbed; and usually subdued colors and patterns. Two large subfamilies are represented in Santa Ana, the Pyrginae, which are larger, mostly dark brown or black species, although some sport long tails and bright metallic colors; and the Hesperiinae, which are smaller, brown or orange, often with a dark groove on the forewing of the males, which contains scented scales. The Hesperiinae feed almost entirely on grasses, whereas the Pyrginae generally feed on other types of plants. 3866: Phocides polybius lilea (Reakirt) Guava Skipper R - 0 in Cameron Co. 3867: Phocides urania (Westwood) Urania Skipper H - no modern US records 3868:
Proteides mercurius sanantonio (Lucas) Mercurial Skipper X - not
recorded recently from TX. 3871:
Epargyreus exadeus cruza Evans Exadeus Skipper X - not recorded since
the 1970's. 3872:
Polygonus leo histrio Roeber - Hammock Skipper R - last seen in Starr
Co., 1995. 3873:
Polygonus manueli Bell & Comst. Manuel's Skipper H - May occur
occasionally in coastal Cameron Co.. 3874:
Chioides catillus albofasciatus (Hew.) White-Striped
Longtail U - formerly more common 3875:
Chioides zilpa namba Evans Zilpa Longtail 0 - last seen in 1996, Madero 3876:
Aguna asander (Hew.) Gold-Spot Aguna 0 - several seen in Starr &
western Hidalgo Co's 1995. 3877:
Aguna claxon Evans Emerald Green Aguna X - no recent records 3878:
Aguna metophis (Latr.) Tailed Aguna R- last recorded Starr Co., 1994 3878:
Typhedanus undulatus (Hew.)
Mottled Longtail H- former
colony near Reylampago, TX. not seen recently. 3879:
Polythrix mexicana Freeman Mexican Polythrix X 3880:
Polythrix octomaculata (Sepp) Eight Spotted Polythrix R - last seen in
Santa Ana in early 1980's 3883:
Codatractus alcaeus (Hew.) Alcaeus
Skipper X 3886:
Urbanus proteus (L) Long Tailed Skipper/Bean Leaf Roller U - formerly
more common in SE Texas. 3887.1: Urbanus belli (Hayward) H - Brownsville, 1968. Bell's Longtail? 3887:
Urbanus pronus Evans Short-Tailed Green Longtail 3888:
Urbanus esmeraldus (Butler) Esmeralda Longtail X 3889:
Urbanus dorantes (Stall) Dorantes Longtail U 3890:
Urbanus teleus (Hbn.) Teleus Longtail U 3891:
Urbanus tanna Evans Tanna Longtail X 3892:
Urbanus simplicius (Stoll) Plain Longtail X 3893:
Urbanus procne (Plotz) Brown Longtail U- more common in Cameron Co., 3894:
Urbanus doryssus (Swain.) White-Tailed Skipper R- last seen in early
1990's 3896:
Astraptes fulgerator azul (Reak.) Flashing Astraptes U- last seen
Bentsen SP June 1997 3897:
Astraptes egregius (Butl.) Green Flasher X 3898:
Astraptes alardus latia Evans White Flasher X 3899:
Astraptes gilberti Freeman Gilbert's Flasher X 3901:
Astraptes anaphus annetta Evans Yellow Flasher r- but not seen recently 3907:
Achalarus toxeus (Plotz) Coyote Skipper U- formerly more common, still
common in Starr Co. 3908:
Achalarus jalapus (Plotz) Jalapus Skipper H- R in Starr Co., 3916:
Cabares potrillo (Lucas) Potrillo Skipper U - present in Audubon Palm
Grove 1997 3917:
Celaenorrhinus fritzgaertneri (Bailey) Fritz' Skipper X- no recent
records 3918:
Celaenorrhinus stallingsi Freeman Stallings’ Skipper X- no recent
records 3919:
Dyscophellus euribates (Stoll) Euribates Skipper H- (according to Neck,
1996)-I have collected this near Cd. Victoria MX
in mid 1970's 3920:
Spathilepia clonius (Cram) Falcate Skipper R 3921:
Cogia calchas (H-S) Calchas Skipper C - occurs in dry resacas around
Mimosa ssp. 3922:
Cogia hippalus (Edwards) Acacia Skipper X- common in SW Texas- Big Bend 3924.1:
Arteurotia tractipennis (Butl& Druce) X - Arteurotia Skipper X 3925:
Nisoniades rubescens (Moesch.) Purplish-Black Skipper X 3926: Pellicia angra
Evans Confused Pellicia X? - seen next sp. 3927:
Pellicia arina Evans Glazed
Pellicia R- This and possibly the preceding sp. were formerly common
during the early 1980's. I have not attempted to separate my specimens 3927.1:
Pellicia
dimidiata H-S. Morning Glory Pellicia H- taken once at Bentsen SP 3928:
Bolla clytius (God.& Salv.) Mottled Bolla R- not seen since late
1980's 3929:
Bolla brennus (C&S) Obscure Bolla H- no recent records 3930:
Staphylus ceos (Edw.) Ceos Skipper R- enters area from west 3931:
Staphylus mazans (Reek.) Southern Sooty Wing C 3933:
Gorgythion vox Evans Variegated Skipper X- last recorded in Starr Co.,
1992 3934:
Sostrata bifasciata nordica Evans Blue Studded Skipper X 3935:
Carrhenes canescens (R. Feld.) Hoary Skipper R 3936:
Xenophanes tryxus (Stoll) Glassy Winged Skipper R- last recorded in
Cameron Co., 1994 3937:
Systasea pulverulenta (R. Feld.) Texas Powdered
Skipper 0- formerly more common, 3919:
Achlyodes mithridates tamenund (Edw.) Sickle Winged Skipper A - most
common larger Skipper 3940:
Grais stigmatica (Mab.) Hermit R 3941:
Timochares ruptifasciatus (Plotz) Brown Banded Skipper 0- present in
Audubon Palm Grove July 1997 3942:
Chiomara asychis georgina (Reak.) White Patch/Asychis Skipper U 3943:
Gesta gesta invisus (Butl & Druce) False Dusky Wing H- occurs along
coast 3952:
Erynnis horatius (Scud. & Burg.) Horace's Dusky Wing H- enters area
from north-Oak Belt 3953:
Erynnis tristis tatius (WH Edw.) Mournful Dusky Wing H- enters area from
west- taken occasionally in Starr Co. 3957:
Erynnis funeralis (Scud.& WS,) Funereal Dusky Wing C 3967:
Pyrgus albescens Plotz Western Checkered Skipper A 3968:
Pyrgus oileus (L) Tropical Checkered Skipper A 3469:
Pyrgus philetas Edw. Philetas Skipper U- prefers arid habitat, may be
increasing 3970:
Heliopetes domicella (Erich.) Erichson's Skipper R 3972:
Heliopetes laviana (Hew.) Laviana Skipper C 3973:
Heliopetes macaira (Reek.) Macaira Skipper C 3974:
Heliopetes arsalte (L.) Common White Skipper H- Common in Mexico, 1
record from Bentsen SP 3975:
Celotes nessus (Edw.) Streaky Skipper U- hard to see 3977:
Pholisora catullus (F.) Common Sooty Wing C-- disturbed areas, farm
fields 3980:
Hesperopsis alpheus texanus Scott Saltbush Sooty Wing H- may occur in
dry saline areas of refuge 3985:
Piruna microsticta (Godm.) H- few records from area 3987:
Synapte malitiosa (H-S) Malicious
Shady Skipper R- formerly more common 3988:
Synapte salenus (Mab.) Salenus Skipper X 3989:
Corticea corticea (Plotz) Redundant Swarthy Skipper R- obscure species,
not seen recently 3990:
Callimormus saturnus (H-S) Saturn Skipper H- few old records
3991:
Vidius perigenes (God.) Perigenes Skipper H- occurs in clay lomas along
coast, seen in 1996 3992: Monca tyrtaeus (Plotz) Violet Patch Skipper R- formerly more common 3994:
Nastra Julia Freeman Julia's Skipper U- has declined recently 3997:
Cymaenes odilia trebius (Mab.) Fawn Spotted Skipper C 3998: Lerema accius (JE Sm.) Clouded Skipper A- will accept Guinea Grass 3999: Lerema liris Evans Liris Skipper X- easily confused with L. accius 3999.1:
Vettius fantasos Stoll Fantastic Skipper H- taken at Penitas, 1975 4000:
Perichares philetas adela (Hew.) R- last seen in Starr Co., 1996 - Green
Backed Skipper 4001:
Rhinthon osca (Plotz) X 4002:
Decinea percosius (God.) Percosius Skipper 0 4003:
Conga chydaea (Butt.) Chydaea Skipper X- not seen recently 4004:
Ancyloxypha numitor (F.) Least Skipper R- occurs in wet areas 4005:
Ancyloxypha arene (Edw.) Tropical least Skipper H- not seen, by me, east
of Falcon Dam 4009:
Copaeodes aurantiacus (Hew.) Orange Skipperling C 4010:
Copaeodes minimus (Edw.) Southern Skipperling U 4013:
Hylephila phyleus (Drury) Fiery Skipper A- especially on lawns 4045:
Polites vibex praeceps (Scudder) Whirlabout A 4046:
Wallengrenia otho (JE Sm.) Broken Dash C 4049:
Atalopedes campestris (Bois.) Sachem A 4049.1: Atrytone mazai Freeman H- may enter area from west, questionably distinct from A. logan (WH Edw.) should be called Maza's Skipper 4060: Poanes zabulon (Bdv. & Lec.) Zabulon Skipper H- occurrence doubtful 4068:
Quasimellana eulogius (Plotz) Eulogius Skipper O
4069: Quasimellana mexicana (Bell) Mexican Mellana H-
no authenticated records 4078: Euphyes vestris metacomet (Harris) Dun Skipper C-
in appropriate habitat, wet areas 4103: Amblyscirtes nysa Edw. Nysa Roadside Skipper U 4106: Amblyscirtes celia Skinner Celia's Roadside
Skipper A 4111: Lerodea eufala (Edw.) Eufala Skipper C 4113: Lerodea dysaules Godm. R 4115: Calpodes ethlius (Stoll) Brazilian Skipper U -
probably much more common in city suburban gardens, where it is a pest. 4110: Panoquina panoquinoides (Skinner) Obscure Skipper
U- common on coastal mud flats, but recently taken at Penitas. 4119: Panoquina ocola (Edw.) Ocola Skipper C- occurs in
the fall 4120: Panoquina hecebolus (Scud.) Hecebolus Skipper R 4121: Panoquina sylvicola (H-S) Sylvicola
Skipper U- sporadic flies with Ocola Skipper 4122: Panoquina evansi. Freeman Evans'
Skipper R 4123: Nyctelius nyctelius (Latr.) Nyctelius
Skipper U - taken at Madero 1996 4124: Thespieus macareus (H-S) Variegated
Skipper X Family
MEGATHYMIDAE - Giant Skippers This small family includes the Giant Skippers, which are thought by some Lepidopterists to be the most primitive butterflies. The adults are large (up to 10 cm. in wingspan), and have heavy bodies. Our species are mainly dark brown with yellow and white patches and spots. The larvae bore into the leaves and roots of Yucca, Agave, and related plants. One species, found only in Mexico, infests the giant Blue Agave, from which Tequila and Mescal is made and its larva is the worm often seen in bottles of Mescal. 4146:
Megathymus coloradensis wilsonorum Stall. & Turn. Wilson's Giant
Skipper H- has not been seen recently, probably not in Santa Ana 4152:
Stallingsia maculosa (Freeman) Manfreda Giant Skipper H - All known
colonies extirpated, should be looked for around remaining stands of
host plant, Manfreda spp. Family
PAPILIONIDAE - Swallowtail Butterflies This family includes the well-known Swallowtail Butterflies, although not all species possess tails. The species in the genus Battus are protected by poisonous alkaloids derived from the larval foodplants and thus are avoided by birds. Some nonpoisonous species resemble them (especially females) and so derive a measure of protection for themselves. This is an example of mimicry, which is found in many other families of butterflies and moths 4156:
Parades eurimedes mylotes (Bates) Cattle Heart H- no authenticated
records to my knowledge. 4157: Battus philenor (L) Pipevine Swallowtail C 4158: Battus polydamas (L) Polydamas Swallowtail R-
probably more common in suburban gardens 4159: Papilio polyxenes asterius Stoll Black
Swallowtail C- disturbed 4169: Heraclides thoas autocles (Rotchs. & Jord.)
Thoas Swallowtail R 4170: Heraclides cresphontes (Cramer) Giant
Swallowtail/Orange Dog A 4173: Heraclides astyalus pastas (G.R.Gray) Lycophron
Swallowtail R- not seen recently 4174: Heraclides ornythion (Boisd.) Ornythion
Swallowtail R 4174.1 Heraclides pharnaces (Dbldy) Pharnaces
Swallowtail H- one recent record in valley 4183: Heraclides anchisiades idaeus F. Ruby Spotted
Swallowtail R 4180: Pterourus pilumnus Bdv. Three Tailed Swallowtail
H- recent sightings, unauthenticated. 4180.1 Pterourus victorinus (Dbldy) Victorine
Swallowtail H- recent record from Laredo 4180.2: Pterourus garamas (Hbn.) Black Giant
Swallowtail H- single record from mid 1960's, Cameron Co. 4185: Eurytides philolaus (Bdv.) Dark Zebra-Swallowtail
H- several records from Cameron Co. Family Pieridae -
Whites and Sulphurs Butterflies in
this family are commonly called "Whites" or
"Sulphurs", and one common European species probably gave rise
to the word "butterfly". They include some of the most
commonly observed butterflies in Santa Ana. Many (Phoebis, Kricogonia,
Eurema) are migratory and may appear in huge numbers. As well as being
attracted to flowers, many species also congregate at mud puddles. 4186:
Enantia albania (Bates) Mimic Sulphur X 4190: Appias drusilla (Cram.) Tropical
White R 4193: Pontia protodice (Bdv. & Lec.) Checkered
White A- esp. spring 4195: Pieris rapae L. Cabbage White R- probably mostly
around cabbage fields. 4198:
Ascia monuste (L) Great Southern White C- abundant in 1997 Brownsville
to Beaumont along coast. 4199:
Ganyra josephina (Godt.) Giant White 0 4207:
Paramidea midea (Hbn.) 0- early spring only 4210:
Colias eurytheme Bdv. Alfalfa Butterfly C 4224:
Zerene cesonia (Stoll) Dog Face C 4226: Anteos clorinde nivifera Fruh. White Angled
Sulphur 0 4227: Anteos maerula lacordairei (Bdv.) Yellow
Brimstone 0 4228: Phoebis sennae eubule (L) Cloudless Sulphur
(Eastern Race) 0- especially along coast 4228: Phoebis sennae marcellina (Cram) Cloudless Sulphur (Mexican Race) A 4229:
Phoebis philea Johan. Orange-Barred Sulphur 0 4230:
Phoebis argante (F) Argante Giant Sulphur H- has been reported recently,
but possibly in error 4231:
Phoebis agarithe maxima (ileum.) Orange Giant Sulphur C 4232:
Phoebis neocypris bracteolata (Butt.) Tailed Giant Sulphur H- no recent
records 4233:
Aphrissa statira jada (Butl.) Statira 0 4235:
Kricogonia lyside (Godt.) Lyside A 4236:
Eurema proterpia (F) Tailed Orange 0 4237:
Eurema lisa Bdv.& Lec. Little Yellow C 4238:
Eurema nise (Cram.) Mimosa Yellow C 4240:
Eurema dine westwoodi (Bdv.) Westwood's Yellow X 4241.1: Eurema albula (Cram) Small White H- recorded in Starr Co., 1993 4242:
Eurema nicippe (Cram.) Sleepy Orange A- has become more common recently 4243:
Eurema daira lydia (C&R Feld.) Barred Yellow R 4245:
Eurema boisduvaliana C&R Feld. Boisduval's Yellow 0 4246:
Eurema mexicana (Bdv.) Mexican Yellow C 4247: Eurema salome limoneum (C&R Feld.) Salome X- no recent records 4248:
Nathalis iole Bdv. Dwarf Yellow A Family LYCAENIDAE
- Hairstreaks, Blues & Coppers This family includes mainly small butterflies, some of which have small hairlike tails on the hindwings (Hairstreaks). These butterflies often have a rapid erratic flight, but are usually attracted to flowers. Many species are predominantly blue above and several species in Santa Ana are bright green on the underside. Ants attend the caterpillars of some species. 4269:
Eumaeus toxea (Godt.) Cycad Butterfly H- no recent records 4270:
Atlides halesus (Cram) Great Blue Hairstreak 0 4272: Chlorostrymon telea (Hew.) Telea Hairstreak H- no
recent records 4273: Chlorostrymon simaethis sarita (Skin.)
Sliver-Banded Hairstreak 0- formerly fairly common in some years, still
present in Audubon Palm Grove, Cameron Co. 4289: Ocaria ocrisia (Hew.) Black Hairstreak X-
recorded once from Santa Ana Refuge in 1968 4290: Ministrymon clytie (Edw.) Clytie Hairstreak U 4293: Ministrymon azia (Hew.) Azia Hairstreak R- not
seen recently 4292: Tmolus echion echiolus (Draudt) Large Lantana
Butterfly/Echion Hairstreak X- no recent records 4292.1: Siderus tephraeus (Geyer) Tephraeus Hairstreak
X- last recorded from Penitas 1995 4294: Oenomaus ortygnus (Cram.) Aquamarine Hairstreak
X- no recent records 4295: Rekoa marius (Lucas) Marius Hairstreak R- few
recent records, has been reared 4297: Rekoa palegon (Stoll) Palegon Hairstreak X- no
recent records 4298: Allosmaitia strophius (Godt.) Blue-Metal
Hairstreak R- several recent records 4300: Calycopis isobeon (Butl. & Druce) Dusky Blue
Hairstreak C 4308: Cyanophrys miserabilis (Clench)
Miserabilis Hairstreak R- not seen recently 4308.1: Cyanophrys herodotus (F) Tropical
Green Hairstreak X 4309: Cyanophrys goodsoni (Clench)
Goodson's Hairstreak R- recorded from Bentsen SP, 1995 4320:
Xamia xami (Reak.) Xami Hairstreak R 4330: Arawacus jada (HM Jada Hairstreak H- no recent records from Texas 4335:
Parrhasius m-album (Bdv.& Lec.) White M- Hairstreak H- has been
taken a few times in area, stray from Oak Belt 4336: Strymon melinus franki Field Gray Hairstreak A- most
common Hairstreak 4338: Strymon rufofusca (Hew.) Reddish Hairstreak R- more common in Starr Co. 4339:
Strymon
bebrycia (Hew.) Mexican Gray Hairstreak R 4341:
Strymon
yojoa (Reak.) Yojoa Hairstreak R- few recent records
4342:
Strymon
albata sedecia (Hew.) White Hairstreak R 4344:
Strymon
alea (God.& Salv.) Lacey's Hairstreak R 4345: Strymon columella istapa (Reak) Columella Hairstreak C 4347:
Strymon cestri (Reak.) Cestri
Hairstreak X 4348:
Strymon
bazochii
(Godt.) Small Lantana Hairstreak 4351:
Electrostrymon
endymion cyphara (HEM Ruddy Hairstreak
R- not seen recently
4351.1:
E1ectrostrymon canus (Druce) Muted Hairstreak
X
4353:
Brephidium
exile
(Bdv.) Pygmy
Blue A 4355:
Zizula
cyna
(Edw.) Cyna Blue
R 4356:
Leptotes
cassias striata (Edw.) Cassius Blue
R-
has
declined
state-wide 4357: Leptotes
marina (Reak.) Marine Blue C-
increasing 4359:
Hemiargus
ceraunus zachaeina (Butl.& Druce)
Ceraunus Blue
C 4350: Hemiargus isola
alce (WH Edw.)
Reakirt's Blue A
4361: Everes comyntas
texanus (Cher.) Tailed Blue R
Family
RIODINIDAE
- Metalmarks These butterflies are generally called "Metalmarks", although less than half of the species have metallic markings. Most species are small, but there is great variety of colors and patterns, especially in the American tropics. They are much like the proceeding family in habits, but characteristically perch with the wings open. 4388:
Calephelis
nemesis australis (WH Edw.)
Fatal
Metalmark
A 4389: Calephelis nilus
perditalis B&McD
Lost Metalmark
A 4392: Calephelis rawsoni
McAlp. Rawson's Metalmark H- I
have
not seen this
from Rio Grande Valley 4396: Caria ino
melicerta Schaus Red Bordered Metalmark C 4397: Lasaia sula peninsularis Clench Blue Metalmark R- more common in Cameron Co. 4398: Melanis pixe (Bdv.) Pixie R 4401: Emesis emesia
(Hew.) Falcate Metalmark
R- few recent records 4401.1: Emesis tenedia
(Feld.) Tenedia Metalmark R-
was thriving at several localities
in Starr Co., 1992-1995 4403: Apodemia multiplaga Schaus
Narrow Winged Metalmark X 4406: Apodemia
walkeri God.& Saly. Walker's Metalmark R Family
LIBYTHEIDAE - Snout Butterflies Known as "Snout Butterflies" because of their long beaklike palps, this is a small family of very similar butterflies. The three species occurring in south Texas are difficult to tell apart, but only one species occurs with any regularity. It may, at times, become extremely abundant, defoliating its foodplant, Hackberry. 4411: Libytheana carinenta larvata
(Stkr.) Southern Snout Butterfly A 4411: Libytheana carinenta
mexicana Mich. Tropical Snout Butterfly X
4411: Libytheana carinenta motya
(Hbn.) Cuban Snout Butterfly H Family HELICONIDAE - Longwing
Butterflies 4413: Agraulis vanillae incarnata
(Riley) Gulf Fritillary A 4414: Dione moneta
poeyi (Butl.) Mexican Silverspot R
4415: Dryadula phaetusa (L) Banded Orange H- few recent records northward 4415.1: Philaethria dido (Click.)
Bamboo Page H- fairly recent sighting 4416: Dryas iulia moderata
Riley Julia U 4417: Eueides isabella zorcaon Reak. Isabella Tiger R- few recent records 4418:
Heliconius charitonius vasquezae WP Comst.
Zebra R-
has declined 4419:
Heliconius erato petiveranus Dbldy. Crimson Patched Longwing X
Family
NYMPHALIDAE
- Brushfooted Butterflies This is the
largest family of true butterflies represented in Santa Ana. As a group,
they are often referred to as "brush-footed" butterflies
because both males and females have the fore legs reduced and thus have
only 4 legs for walking. The species are quite diverse, varying from
small to large and variable in pattern, though most species are
predominantly brown or orange in color. The caterpillars are usually
ornamented with spines. 4420:
Polygonia
interrogationis (F) Question Mark C 4432:
Nymphalis antiopa (L) Mourning Cloak H- rare in area 4434:
Vanessa virginiensis (Drury) American
Painted Lady C 4435:
Vanessa cardui (L) Painted Lady C 4437:
Vanessa atalanta rubric (Fruh.) Red Admiral A 4438: Hypanartia lethe (F) Orange Map Wing H- no recent records 4440:
Junonia coenia (Hbn.) Buckeye C 4441:
Junonia
coenia nigrosuffusa B&McD Dark Buckeye C 4441.1:
Junonia genoveva zonalis C&R
Feld. Tropical Buckeye R-
most known specimens are from
Santa Ana Refuge, it typically
has an iridescent patch on the hindwing. 4442:
Junonia evarete (Cram) Mangrove Buckeye 0- along coast 4443:
Anartia jatrophae luteipicta Fruh. White Peacock C 4445: Anartia fatima (F) Fatima R
4446: Siproeta
stelenes biplagiata (Fruh.) Malachite 0- formerly common at times 4447:
Euptoieta claudia (Cram.) Variegated Fritillary A 4448: Euptoieta hegesia
hoffmanni WP Comst. Mexican Fritillary 0- has been fairly common in
Starr Co., 1993-1996. 4476:
Anthanassa texana (Edw.) Texas Crescent C 4477:
Anthanassa ptolyca (Bates) False Black Crescent X 4478:
Anthanassa tulcis (Bates) Tulcis Crescent R- formerly uncommon 4478.1:
Anthanassa argentea (God.& Salv.) Argentia Crescent H- in Penitas
area 1993-1994 4480:
Phyciodes
phaon (Edw.) Phaon
Crescent C- wet areas
4481:
Phyciodes tharos (Drury) Pearl crescent C 4485:
Phyciodes vesta (Edw.) Vesta Crescent C-dry areas 4488.1:
Tegosa anieta luka Higgins Orange Crescent H- I do not know source of
record 4499:
Chlosyne lacinia ajutrix Scud. Bordered Patch C 4500:
Chlosyne
definite (Aaron) Definite Patch R- no recent
records
from valley 4501: Chlosyne endeis
(God.& Salv.) Endeis Patch R- no
recent records, last seen in early 1970's 4501.1: Chlosyne marina (Hbn)
Checkered or Yellow Patch H- no recent records 4502: Chlosyne erodyle (Bates) Erodyle Patch H- no authentic records 4503:
Chlosyne janais (Drury) Janais Patch R 4504: Chlosyne rosita
browni Bauer Rosita Patch R-
once well established in Santa Ana
Refuge, no recent
records. 4504.1:
Chlosyne ehrenbergi (Gey.) Striped Patch H- no
authenticated records 4508:
Thessalia theona bollii
(WH Edw.) Theona Checkerspot U- more
common to the NW
of area 4510:
Microtia elva Bates Elf X- no recent records 4513:
Texola elada ulrica (WH Edw.) Elada Checkerspot C- abundant to the west
of area 4511: Dymasia dymas (Edw) Dymas
Checkerspot H- occurs mainly west of
Hidalgo Co. 4522: Basilarchia
arthemis astyanax (F.) Red
Spotted Purple R- no recent records from valley 4523: Basilarchia archippus watsoni
dosP. Watson's Viceroy R 4524:
Basilarchia archippus hoffmanni Mexican Viceroy X- one recent
record
4525: Adelpha bredowii
eulalia (Obldy & Hew.)
Arizona Sister H- may
appear mainly to NW of area 4526: Adelpha fessonia
(Hew.) Mexican Sister R 4526.1:
Adelpha basiloides (Bates) Tropical Sister H - do
not know source of record 4527.1: Epiphile adrasta Hew.
Dimorphic Bark-Wing R- few recent records, photographed
in
Santa Ana Refuge. 4528:
Myscelia ethusa (Bdv.) Blue Wing U 4529:
Myscelia cyanathe skinneri Meng. Skinner's Blue Wing H-
no
recent records 4532:
Eunica monima (Stoll) Dingy Purple Wing R- occasionally migrates to area
in numbers. 4533:
Eunica tatila (H-S) Purple Wing R- one
recent record-Madero 4534: Dynamine dyonis
Gey. Blue-Eyed Greenwing R- has
been more common in past 4536: Diaethria asteria (Godm.&
Saly) Mexican 88 H- no recent records 4537: Mestra amymone (Men.)
Amymone C 4539:
Biblis hyperia aganisa Bdv. Red Rim R 4540.1: Hamadryas guatemalena marmarice (Fruh) Central American Cracker X 4540.2:
Hamadryas iphthime joannae Jenk. Ringless Blue Cracker X 4541:
Hamadryas feronia farinulenta (Fruh) Blue Cracker X 4542:
Hamadryas februa ferentina (Godt.) Gray Cracker 0 4544:
Hamadryas amphinome mexicana (Luc,) Red Cracker X- possible recent
sighting Bentsen 4545:
Historis odius (F) Stinky Leaf Wing H- no recent records 4546:
Historis acheronta cadmus (Cram.) Dash Wing H- no recent records from
valley 4547:
Smyrna karwinskii Gey. Karwinski's Beauty X.- recent record from Jackson
Co. 4547.1:
Smyrna blomfildia datis Fruh. Blomfild's Beauty X 4548:
Marpesia zerynthia Hbn. Waiter X 4549:
Marpesia chiron (F.) Many-Banded Dagger Wing R 4550:
Marpesia petreus (Cram.) Ruddy Dagger Wing R Family APATURIDAE
- Leaf-wings or Hackberry Butterflies Considered by some Lepidopterists to be a subfamily of the Nymphalidae, apaturids are commonly called Leaf-wings or Hackberry Butterflies. As the name suggests the leaf-wings closely resemble dead leaves on the underside. Hackberry butterflies are highly territorial and will not infrequently "attack" people by alighting on them. 4552:
Anaea aidea (Guer.-Men.) Tropical Leaf-Wing C 4554:
Anaea andria Scud. Goatweed Butterfly C 4555:
Memphis glycerium (Dbldy) Angled Leaf Wing X 4556:
Memphis pithyusa (R.Feld.) Blue Leaf Wing R 4556.1:
Memphis echemus (Dbldy & Hew.) Chestnut Leaf Wing H-one record
Victoria, TX 4558:
Asterocampa celtis antonia (Edw.) Empress Antonia C 4561:
Asterocampa leilia (Edw.) Empress Leilia C 4565:
Asterocampa clyton louisa Stall.& Turn Empress Louisa A 4566:
Doxocopa pavon (Latr.) Pavon R 4567:
Doxocopa laure (Drury) Laure R Family
Morphidae- Morpho Butterflies
4567.1:
Morpha peleides hyacinthus Butl. Common Morpho H- single sight record
1945 Family SATYRIDAE
- Satyrs & Browns Members of this family are dark, woodland or tundra butterflies, often with eyespots on the wings. Few species occur in south Texas. Although there are many tropical species in northern Mexico, none of these have been found in south Texas, perhaps due to the fact that they are non-migratory. 4573:
Cyllopsis gemma freemani (S&T) Gemmed Satyr C 4574:
Hermeuptychia hermes (F) Hemes Satyr A Family DANAIDAE -
Milkweed Butterflies The few species that occur in North America are often called "Milkweed" butterflies, as they all feed on plants in the milkweed family. This gives a chemical protection to both the larvae and adults. Consequently other butterflies often mimic them. The Monarch is perhaps the best known of all North American butterflies, but it was not until recently that the wintering grounds of the east and central populations was discovered, in the Sierra Madre of Mexico. Monarchs are most often seen in Santa Ana during late fall. 4614:
Danaus plexippus (L) Monarch C- seasonal 4615:
Danaus gilippus strigosus (Bates) Queen A 4516:
Danaus eresimus montezuma Talb. Soldier U 4517:
Lycorea cleobaea atergatis (Dbldy) Large Tiger H Family ITHOMIIDAE
- Clearwing Butterflies No species in this family has been recorded from south Texas for about 80 years, but it is possible that they were established here then and extirpated by the unusually cold winters that occurred around the turn of the century. Many species have largely clear or translucent wings and otherwise resemble Heliconius species (Longwings). 4517.1:
Dircenna klugii (Gey) Klug's Dircenna H 4517.2:
Greta polissena umbrana (Haensch) Polis Transparent H COMMENTS
It has been 10 years since my list was last updated and during
most of that time I have not personally conducted
research at Santa Ana Refuge. I have, however collected actively in the
lower Rio Grande
Valley at other localities
including: Audubon Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Bentsen State Park, Falcon
State Park, and at other localities near Boca Chico, Reylampago,
Mission, Madero, Penitas, Roma, Fronton, Salineno,
and Edinburg. With a few
exceptions, there have been fewer butterflies evident during this past decade than the two decades preceding it.
The explanation for this
is unclear, but probably related to two main factors;
1. The prolonged draught and 2.
continuing spread of introduced plants, especially Guinea Grass, which
has displaced the native understory,
vegetation, thus eliminating
larval host plants and
nectar sources for many species. Conditions
in Mexico, across the river, may also play a significant role, but, of
this, I have no direct
knowledge.
In spite of this
general decline in numbers, the
checklist has grown, by addition of recently collected
species, or discovery of previously unknown, older records. The
following species (or subspecies) have been added:
Polygonus
manueli -
Neck, 1996
Urbanus
bells - Lep. Soc. News. 1997 Dyscophellus
euribates -
Neck, 1996 Pellicia
angra -
Neck 1996 Gesta
gesta invisius -
recent records, Cameron Co. Erynnis
tristis tatius - Neck 1996 Panoquina
panoquinoides - recent records Heraclides
pharnaces -
recent records Pterourus
garamas -
Older record recently discovered Eurema
albula -
recent record Siderus
tephraeus - recent records Arawacus
jada - overlooked, but hypothetical Electrostrymon
canus - recently separated from
another species Emesis
tenedia -
recent records Philaethria
dido - recent sighting-hypothetical Junonia
genoveva zonalis - group revised Anthanassa
argentea - recent records Tegosa
anieta luka - Neck 1996 Chlosyne
erodyle - Neck, 1996 Dymasia
dymas -
recent records Basilarchia
archippus hoffmanni -
recent records Adelpha
basiloides -
Neck, 1996
Historis
odius - Neck; 1996 Morpha
peleides -
old sight record
(NOTE: Neck, 1996
refers to Field Guide to the Butterflies of Texas, R.A. Neck,
et al. Gulf Pbl., Houston 1996. I do not have access to the records
upon which statements in this book were based. None are
confirmed as having occurred at Santa Ana Refuge)
The
following
species have been deleted:
Pseudolycaena
- erroneous
record Lasaia
parses -
misidentification Hypolimnas
misippus - erroneous record The
following changes in scientific nomenclature are as follows: Phocides palemon becomes Phocides polybius Polygonus leo arizonensis becomes Polygonus
leo histrio Gorgythion begga becomes Gorgythion vox Achlyodes
thraso becomes Achlyodes mithridates Pho1sora alpheus becomes Hesperopsis
alpheus Mellana becomes Quasimellana Euphyes
ruricola returns to Euphyes vestris Priamedes anchisiades becomes Heraclides
anchisiades Papilio victorinus becomes Pterourus
victorinus Enantia
melite becomes Enantia albania Artogeia rapae returns to Pieris rapae Falcapica
midea becomes Paramidea midea Tmolus azia becomes Ministrymon azia Thereus zebina and spurina both
become Rekoa marius Thereus palegon becomes Rekoa palegon Allosmaita pion becomes Allosmaitia
strophius Calephelis perditalis becomes Calephelis
nilus perditalis Libytheana bachmanii larvata becomes
Libytheana carinenta larvata Libytheana
motya becomes a subspecies of carinenta also Junonia
nigrosuffusa becomes Junonia coenia nigrosuffusa Eresia frisia tulcis becomes Anthanassa
tulcis Chlosyne
melitaeoides becomes Chlosyne marina (or erodyle, depending on your
viewpoint.) Marpesia
coresia becomes Marpesia zerynthia
RECOMMENDATIONS A
butterfly conservation plan should be adopted for refuges in the lower
Rio Grande Valley and in other critical habitat areas. Butterflies need
three things to prosper. Food for larva, food and water for adults, and
shelter. Such a plan might include planting of appropriate food and
nectar plants, ponds, and hedgerows. Certain areas known to contain
colonies of critical species might be irrigated, when necessary. Resacas
need to be filled periodically to replenish colonies in these areas. Guinea
Grass is a serious problem not only for butterflies, but for native
plants as well. It has become so pervasive that only a biological
control method is likely to make an impact. Unfortunately, it will be
extremely difficult to select a control agent that does not have the
potential of harming native (or introduced) forage grasses, or lawns.
Selective herbicide applications followed by hand removal by volunteers,
followed by planting or seeding desirable species, might be tried in
limited areas. Both
professional and amateur Lepidopterists should be encouraged to
participate. Collecting, except for commercial purposes, should not be
generally prohibited outside the conservation area and periodic survey
work, including limited collecting may also be necessary within the
conservation area, in order to provide proper monitoring. Indeed it will
require the participation of experienced amateur Lepidopterists, in
most cases, to survey, identify, and delineate, such conservation areas
within the Refuges, where human intervention can have some beneficial
impact. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This
checklist is based mainly on collection data accumulated by the
compiler, from researchers who have studied the Lepidoptera in Santa Ana
and adjacent areas (Hidalgo and Cameron counties). Additional records
have been obtained from the literature and a few from museum specimens.
In the moths, the greatest body of data was obtained from Andre
Blanchard, who made frequent visits to the area between 1960 and 1979.
The compiler has continued investigations of the moths of Santa Ana from
1979 to the present. Few other moth records (outside of the literature)
have been made available to date. In
the butterflies, many researchers and collectors have worked in Santa
Ana and adjacent areas and the compiler had depended upon much in the
way of personal observations from his colleagues. H.A. Freeman collected
in the area in the 1940's and some of the records reported by him have
not been repeated. R.O. and C.A. Kendall have done much work in the
Santa Ana vicinity, particularly in life history studies of both
butterflies and moths. Others who have provided much information, mainly
on butterflies include: J.F. Doyle III, F.R. Hedges, W.W. McGuire, R.W.
Neck, M.A. Rickard, and J.B. Vernon. A significant contribution was also
made by the Southern Lepidopterists' Society at the 1984 annual meeting,
which was held in Bentsen Rio-Grande Valley State Park. |
14 Dec 2004 Mike Quinn / entomike@gmail.com / Texas Entomology