Morning Glory Pellicia (Pellicia dimidiata Herrich-Schäffer)
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/8 inches (2.2 - 3 cm).
Identification: Upperside of wing black has a faint or absent purple sheen. Underside of male hindwing has glandular oval patch near wing base.
Life history: Not reported.
Flight: October in South Texas; April-May and September-February in Mexico and Central America.
Caterpillar hosts: Wild morning glories (Ipomoea) in the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae).
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Subtropical scrub and open weedy areas.
Range: Argentina north through tropical America to northern Mexico. Strayed once to the lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas.
