Hodges#4579
Megisto rubricata
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Papilionoidea
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Subfamily: Satyrinae
- Tribe: Satyrini
- Genus: Megisto
- Species: rubricata
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Megisto rubricata: /məˈɡɪstoʊ ˌruːbrɪˈkeɪtə/
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Images
Summary
Megisto rubricata, known as the red satyr, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae, recognized for its red wing patches and geographic variation across North America.
Physical Characteristics
Adult butterflies have a red patch on the forewing, which may not always be visible depending on how the wings are held. Above, they typically display red patches and one eyespot on each wing.
Identification Tips
Identification is largely based on geographical distribution, with subspecies cheneyorum found west of the Rio Grande, rubricata further east, and smithorum in the Big Bend region of Texas. The postmedian dark line of the hind wing averages straighter and less irregular in ssp. cheneyorum.
Habitat
Found in various habitats including wooded high mesas.
Distribution
Arizona, New Mexico, and south-central Kansas southward through Oklahoma, Texas, and Mexico to Guatemala, with potential sightings in eastern Colorado.
Diet
Larvae feed on Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and St Augustine Grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum).
Tags
- butterfly
- Nymphalidae
- Megisto rubricata
- red satyr
- Lepidoptera