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The Atala

Eumaeus atala

Description:

The Atala, Eumaeus atala, is a small colorful butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is found in southeastern Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba, the Cayman Islands (probable on other Caribbean islands in archipelago). Its coloration and habits are unique among butterflies within its range. The atala is a great example of aposematic (warning) coloration throughout its life cycle. The brightly colored larva or caterpillar feeds on cycads which contain a toxic secondary plant chemical ("cycasin") which it retains in its body for life. Birds, lizards, and other animals may attempt to prey on the larva, pupa, and adults, but find them distasteful and learn to avoid these brightly patterned insects. In Florida, the larva (caterpillar) feeds on a native cycad, Zamia pumila, called Coontie, as well as introduced ornamental cycads. (Another name for the butterfly is Coontie Hairstreak.) In Cuba, the cycad Cycas revoluta is used.-Wikipedia

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4 Comments

beaker98
beaker98 10 years ago

Amazing colors on this caterpillar! Very cool!

MUSE
MUSE 10 years ago

Thanks akshaya ...

akshaya
akshaya 10 years ago

very nice

MUSE
MUSE 10 years ago

Thanks EnvUnlimited, u know haven't notice the plant 'cause he was just crossing on the pavement i just took a shot and went on my way. But the info is helpful ...

MUSE
Spotted by
MUSE

Coconut Creek, Florida, USA

Spotted on Nov 1, 2008
Submitted on Nov 19, 2013

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