Gray Cracker (Hamadryas februa) (Hübner, 1823) |
Synonyms: Ageronia februa, Ageronia atinia, Ageronia gudula, Ageronia ferox maina, Nymphalis ferentina |
Hamadryas februa occurs in the tropical Americas from Mexico to northern Argentina, and on Trinidad; strays in southern Texas. It inhabits edges of tropical and subtropical moist and dry forests, savanna, and orchards; from sea level to 1,200 m. The upperside of this species is patterned with brown and white; the underside of the hindwings is white. The wingspan 70-85 mm. Adults basks on tree trunks, in a head-downward posture, with the wings flattened against the bark. They feed on sap and rotting fruit, and the caterpillar on Dalechampia and Tragia spp. (Euphorbiaceae).