Hodges#4527.1
Adelpha eulalia
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Papilionoidea
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Subfamily: Limenitidinae
- Tribe: Limenitidini
- Genus: Adelpha
- Species: eulalia
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Adelpha eulalia: //əˈdɛlfə juːˈleɪliə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Adelpha eulalia, commonly known as the Arizona sister, is a butterfly found across parts of Central America and the southwestern United States. It is distinguished by its association with Oaks and specific habitat preferences, as well as differences in appearance from other similar species.
Identification Tips
Usually associated with Oaks, prefers low areas such as along arroyos and canyon bottoms where there is surface water. Distinguished from Weidemeyer's Admiral by the presence of orange near the tip of the front wings and habitat preferences.
Habitat
Oak woodlands, often in low areas near surface water.
Distribution
From Guatemala and Mexico to southeastern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and southern Texas; occasional strays in Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada.
Diet
Adults feed on mud, tree sap, carrion, rotting fruit, and rarely on flowers.
Life Cycle
Adults are generally found from April or May until frost, likely in two or three overlapping broods.
Reproduction
Mating and laying eggs are associated with the preferred host plants, mainly Oaks (Quercus species).
Ecosystem Role
As a butterfly, it participates in pollination and is part of the food web as both a caterpillar and an adult.
Evolution
Belongs to the serpa species group in the genus Adelpha. Formerly considered a subspecies of Adelpha bredowii, recent studies classify it as a distinct species based on morphological, geographical, and genetic evidence.
Tags
- Arizona Sister
- Nymphalidae
- Lepidoptera
- butterfly
- Adelpha