Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Mexican Cycadian
Eumaeus toxea (Godart, [1824])


Family: Lycaenidae
Subfamily: Theclinae
Identification: Abdomen upperside is black, below is red-orange. Upper surface of wing black covered with iridescent blue. Underside black; hindwing with rows of iridescent blue spots and one red-orange spot.
Wing Span: 1 1/4 - 2 inches (3.2 - 5.1 cm).
Life History: Eggs are laid in groups of 3-8 under new leaves of host. Young caterpillars feed on the outer layer of the leaf.
Flight: Many flights in Mexico, from April-December.
Caterpillar Hosts: Cycads.
Adult Food: Not reported. May include bird droppings.
Habitat: Tropical woodland.
Range: Honduras north to Mexico. Rare in South Texas, one stray to Florida.
Conservation: Not necessary for rare stray.
NCGR: GU - Unable to assign rank due to lack of available information.
Management Needs: None reported.
Comments: NULL