Mistletoe-specialist
Guides
Agrilus andersoni
Agrilus andersoni is a small jewel beetle described from Mexico in 2008. The species is notable for its specialized association with mistletoe in the genus Phoradendron (family Viscaceae), an unusual host relationship within the enormous genus Agrilus. Adults exhibit purplish-red coloration with complex patterns of golden setae on the elytra, which may function as disruptive coloration against the host foliage. The species is known from Guerrero and Puebla states.
Atlides
Great Purple Hairstreak (for A. halesus)
Atlides is a genus of gossamer-winged butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, subfamily Theclinae, tribe Eumaeini. The genus contains approximately 18 named species plus 5 or more undescribed species distributed across the Americas from the southern United States to Argentina. The most well-known species, Atlides halesus (great purple hairstreak), is notable for its iridescent blue coloration—despite its common name containing "purple"—and its exclusive larval association with mistletoe species (Phoradendron). Males of at least some species possess androconial scales producing distinctive volatile compounds; A. polybe males emit a grape-like aroma from methyl anthranilate, the first such compound reported in Papilionoidea.
Atlides halesus
Great Purple Hairstreak, Great Blue Hairstreak
Atlides halesus is a striking gossamer-winged butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, notable for its misnomer of a common name—despite being called the "Great Purple Hairstreak," it displays iridescent blue coloration rather than purple. This Neotropical species ranges from warm-temperate and subtropical North America southward nearly to the Isthmus of Panama. The larvae feed exclusively on mistletoe species (Phoradendron spp.), making this butterfly dependent on the presence of these parasitic plants. Adults are known for hilltopping behavior, where males defend perches on elevated terrain to intercept females.