Red-bordered Pixie (Melanis pixe [Boisduval])
Wing span: 1 1/2 - 1 7/8 inches (3.8 - 4.4 cm).
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.
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.
