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Gilbert's Flasher (Astraptes gilberti H.A. Freeman)

Wing span: 2 - 2 1/2 inches (5.1 - 6.4 cm).

Identification: Tailless; wings are black with no white spots. Upperside wing bases are iridescent blue. Hindwing fringe is brown. Underside of forewing has white patch at corner. Hindwing underside has some white at base.

Life history: Adults rest upside down under large leaves. To wait for females, males perch in sunlit openings.

Flight: Several flights all year in Mexico.

Caterpillar hosts: Tree or shrub legume, Bauhinia reported.

Adult food: Flower nectar or bird droppings.

Habitat: Shady tropical woods.

Range: Mexico south to Central America. A rare stray north to the lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas.