Coyote Cloudywing (Achalarus toxeus [Plötz])
Wing span: 1 5/8 - 1 15/16 inches (4.2 - 5 cm).
Identification: Forewings are pointed. Upperside is dark brown with darker rectangular spots. Hindwing usually has white fringe.
Life history: Females lay eggs singly on leaves near the trunk of the host tree. Caterpillars eat young leaves.
Flight: Three broods from February-November.
Caterpillar hosts: Texas ebony (Pithecellobium flexicaule) in the pea family (Fabaceae).
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Edges of river woods, city flower gardens.
Range: Panama north through Central America and Mexico to central Texas. Strays north to southern Arizona.
