Observation date: September 09, 2016
Submitted by: Lepcurious
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Observed 4 adult Atala Hairstreaks in a bed of coontie sheltered by two camphor trees and several tall Aloysia. The adults were perching and nectaring on Aloysia. No courtship noted at this time.
Status: Nonresident
Verified by: John Calhoun
Verified date: September 13, 2016
Coordinator notes: Like the record from Pinellas County several years ago, this is almost certainly the result of early stages being introduced with the coontie plants from South Florida, or an intentional release of the butterfly into the area.
Update: The BAMONA project was contacted and alerted that this species was released in this location intentionally from the Museum of Science and Industry two years ago and that they have survived two winters here.
