Goatweed Butterfly, Goatweed Emperor, Goatweed Leafwing Anaea andria Scudder (1875) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Charaxinae)

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This document provides an in-depth profile of the goatweed butterfly, Anaea andria Scudder, highlighting its cryptic coloration and adaptive behaviors. It covers the butterfly's distribution across the southern Midwest and South, its physical characteristics, and seasonal dimorphism. The life cycle, including mating habits and larval development, is detailed, along with the butterfly's host plants, primarily species in the genus Croton. The document emphasizes the butterfly's ecological significance and the impact of habitat loss on its population. Original publication date September 1998.