Red-spotted Hairstreak (Tmolus echion [Linnaeus])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/4 inches (2.2 - 3.2 cm).
Identification: Tailed. Upperside of male iridescent blue, female dull blue-gray. Underside light gray with 2 rows of orange oblong spots.
Life history: Eggs are laid singly on flowers of host plant. Caterpillars feed on flower and fruits and sometimes leaves.
Flight: May in South Texas, all year in Hawaii and Mexico.
Caterpillar hosts: Many species of tropical plants including some in the verbena, mint, and potato families.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Subtropical scrub and forest edges.
Range: Brazil north to Sinaloa and Tamaulipas, Mexico. Strays rarely to South Texas. Was introduced to Hawaii in 1902 to control Lantana.
