Re: OT- -Butterfly
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: OT- -Butterfly
- From: B* S* <b*@tiger.hsc.edu>
- Date: Fri, 8 Aug 1997 08:17:29 -0600 (MDT)
The most likely alternative is the Zebra Swallotail, Papilio ajax. This is
a large butterfly with a 3-4 inch wingspan. The red spot is on the inner
margin of the hindwing, not on the back of the animal's body, however.
Long tails are present on the hindwing. There are often two blue spots
just behind the red one; the red one may be missing in the related P.
eurymedon. The larvae feed on paw-paw leaves.
Another possibility, if it really is a moth and not a butterfly, is the
Mexican Tiger Moth,Apantesis proxima. However, this species is not likely
in Missouri, being known from California and Arizona as well as Mexico.
Here the red spot is on the animal's back, not on a wing. There are many
other Apantesis species, however, and some others might resemble the
Mexican Tiger Moth. No information on the habits of the larvae.
Moths usually have heavy bodies and relatively stubby wings. Their
antennae may be feathery or filamentous, but never have a swelling or club
at the tip. Butterflies have slender bodies and expansive wings, and the
antennae are clubbed.
Bill Shear
Department of Biology
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney VA 23943
(804)223-6172
FAX (804)223-6374
email<bills@tiger.hsc.edu>
