Goatweed Leafwing Butterflies (mating)

Description:

Underside looks like a dead leaf. Male summer form is dull red with a barely hooked forewing tip, and a short tail on the hindwing. Male winter form is redder with more dark markings, a definitely hooked forewing tip, and a longer tail than the summer form. Both female forms are lighter red and have an irregular yellow submarginal band. The winter female form has hooked forewing tips. Wing Span: 2 3/8 - 3 1/4 inches (6 - 8.2 cm).

Habitat:

Leaf litter beside the trail. Had they not been fluttering, they would have gone unnoticed.