Elada Checkerspot (Texola elada [Hewitson])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/4 inches (2.2 - 3.2 cm).
Identification: Dark brown with rows of small brownish orange spots. Underside of hindwing has a median band of two or three rows of white spots, and a red-orange marginal band.
Life history: Males patrol slowly during the day for females. Eggs are laid in groups on the host plant; caterpillars feed gregariously when young.
Flight: Several broods from April-October.
Caterpillar hosts: Hairy tubetongue (Siphonoglossa pilosella) in Texas, yellow composites in Mexico.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Subtropical thorn forest and scrub.
Range: Southern Mexico north to central Texas and central Arizona.
