Atala (LEP45) Eumaeus atala

A beautiful Bahamian butterfly. Once common in Florida, Atala became nearly extinct in the United States due to habitat changes and development. Just a few small colonies are known now, where the larvae feed on coontie. On the underside, the wings are matte black with several rows of sapphire blue spots and a large fire-engine red spot that extends onto the abdomen as well. The upperside is black on the edges and veins, otherwise bright shiny green with a green thorax and red abdomen.