South American Mestra (Mestra hersilia) (Fabricius, 1776)

 

Synonyms: cowiana, Mestra hypermestra cana, Mestra cana, Mestra dorcas hersilia

 

 

Mestra hersilia occurs in northern South America, Brazil, Trinidad, Tobago, and the Lesser Antilles. It is found at edges of tropical and subtropical forest. The upperside is grayish-white to light brown; the underside is pale orange with white. The wingspan is 35-50 mm. Adults nectar on Lantana spp., and the caterpillars feed on Tragia spp. (Euphorbiaceae).

 

		D31245 South American Mestra (Mestra hersilia) Charlotteville, Tobago Trinidad and Tobago Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D31246 South American Mestra (Mestra hersilia) Charlotteville, Tobago Trinidad and Tobago Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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