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Species Detail

Red-bordered Pixie

Melanis pixe (Boisduval, 1836)

JPG -- species photo

Attributes of Melanis pixe


Family: Metalmarks (Riodinidae)

Identification: Upperside black. Tip of forewing yellow-orange; base of wing with red spot. Hindwing outer margin with band of red spots.

Life history: Eggs are laid in groups of 10-30 on the host tree leaves, stems, or bark; caterpillars feed gregariously on leaves and pupate together in groups.

Flight: January-November in South Texas.

Wing span: 1 1/2 - 1 7/8 inches (3.8 - 4.4 cm).

Caterpillar hosts: Guamuchil (Pithecellobium dulce), Albizia, and Inga species; all in the pea family (Fabaceae).

Adult food: Nectar from flowers of Pithecellobium, Albizia, Inga, Coffea, Cordia, Lantana, and Citrus.

Habitat: Lowland riparian tropical forest, city parks.

Range: Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas south to Costa Rica.

Conservation: Not required for occasional stray.

NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.

Management needs: None reported.

Documented Records for Melanis pixe



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