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. |