Goatweed Butterfly,  Anaea andria  <LEP135>

 

     The caterpillar’s host plant is goatweed, from which the name derives.  It occurs commonly in the Southeast.  The female shown is tawny orange above with brown along the edges and invading the wings.  Individuals in the rainy season have longer tails that are colored violet, and more pointed wingtips than those of drier months.  Goatweed Butterflies are rapid flies, but are attracted to rotting fruit.