Pavon Emperor (Doxocopa pavon [Latreille])
Wing span: 2 3/16 - 2 11/16 inches (5.6 - 6.9 cm).
Identification: Upperside of male is iridescent blue-purple; female is paler. Both sexes have a small orange patch near the tip of the forewing and a white median band across both wings. Underside of both is paler and does not have silvery iridescence.
Life history: Males perch in full sun on trees to watch for females.
Flight: In South Texas: May and August-December.
Caterpillar hosts: Tree and shrub Celtis in the elm family (Ulmaceae).
Adult food: Flower nectar, rotting fruit, and bird droppings.
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests.
Range: Bolivia north to northern Mexico. Strays occasionally to the lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas.
