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Ascia monuste virginia
Ascia monuste is an example of a migrating species that moves in one direction within its life-span and does not return. It breeds in Florida but sometimes migrates along the coast up to 160 km to breed in more suitable areas. The wingspan is 63–86 mm. The larvae feed on Brassicaceae (including Cakile maritima, cultivated cabbage and radish and Lepidium species) and plants in the Capparidaceae family, including nasturtium. Adults feed on nectar from various flowers including saltwort, lantana, and verbena. It is a sporadic pest of crucifer vegetables in southern Texas. In this species the sexes may differ with the female being either light or dark colored.
It is found from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States, south through tropical America to Argentina.
Spotted in big number feeding on trees growing on a beach by the sea.
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