White-striped Longtail (Chioides catillus albofasciatus [Hewitson])
Wing span: 1 1/2 - 2 1/8 inches (3.9 - 5.4 cm).
Identification: Hindwing with a very long tail. Wings are dark brown; forewing with large pale spots. Underside of hindwing has a long silver-white band from the costa to the base of the tail.
Life history: The White-striped Longtail has a fast and erratic flight, and perches on the upper sides of leaves.
Flight: Many flights throughout the year in South Texas.
Caterpillar hosts: Many legumes including Tephrosia, Mimosa, Phaseolus, and Rhynchosia.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Trails and openings in tropical and subtropical forests and brush, and nearby edges.
Range: Argentina north through Central America to the West Indies and South Texas. Occasional stray to southwest New Mexico and southern Arizona.
