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Species Detail
Atala
Eumaeus atala (Poey, 1832)
Attributes of Eumaeus atalaFamily: Gossamer-wing Butterflies (Lycaenidae) Subfamily: Hairstreaks (Theclinae) Identification: Abdomen red-orange. Upperside of male wings soft black with iridescent green overlay and markings; female has blue iridescence at basal areas. Underside dull black, hindwing with large red-orange spot and 3 rows of irregular iridescent gold spots. Life history: Eggs are laid in groups on upperside of leaf tips. Caterpillars feed in groups out in the open. Flight: Many flights throughout the year, but most common in early summer. Wing span: 1 1/2 - 2 inches (3.8 - 5.1 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Coontie (Zamia pumila), a shrubby, fernlike native cycad of Florida and the Bahamas; several other introduced plants of the family Cycadaceae. Adult food: Nectar from flowers including lantana, periwinkle, shepherd's needle, and wild coffee. Habitat: Subtropical shady hammocks and neighboring open areas; gardens with ornamental cycads. Range: Southeastern Florida and the Keys, the Bahamas, and Cuba. Conservation: Eumaeus atala florida is ranked endangered by the State of Florida; may recolonize from the Bahamas. Subspecies florida has The Nature Conservancy rank of T3 - Very rare or local throughout its range or found locally in a restricted range (21 to 100 occurrences). (Threatened throughout its range). NatureServe Global Status: Not reported Management needs: Prevent destruction of habitats with Coontie. Control of caterpillars on ornamental cycads is sometimes necessary. Reintroduce Coontie to the Florida Keys. | Documented Records for Eumaeus atala
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