Overview
The Florida leafwing butterfly is found in the pine rocklands of South Florida. Its bright orange upper wings make it easy to spot in flight, but when it closes its wings, it resembles a dead leaf. Although adult leafwings can be found year-round, they are never very abundant.
Threats
The Florida leafwing faces several threats due to its habitat. Pine rocklands, where it resides, are globally designated as an imperiled ecosystem. The main threats include habitat destruction, invasive plants and insects, diseases, fire suppression, insecticides used for mosquito control, and collecting.
Scientific Name
Identification Numbers
Characteristics
Habitat
Caterpillars of the Florida leafwing exclusively feed on pineland croton (Croton linearis), a shrub found in the understory of pine rockland habitat. The butterfly’s survival depends on the health of its host plant population. Additionally, periodic fires are essential for maintaining an open understory, reducing competition from other plant species, and preventing nonnative plant infestations
Food
Florida leafwing caterpillars feed year-round on pineland croton leaves.
Physical Characteristics
This medium to large butterfly can reach a little over three inches in wingspan. Its upper wings display bright reddish-orange coloration during flight, with dark postmedian lines and borders. When at rest, the undersides of its wings blend in as grayish dead leaves. Females have darker markings than males, and each hindwing features a small “tail.”
Life Cycle
Male Florida leafwings perch on twigs about 10 feet off the ground to wait for females. Eggs are laid singly on host plant leaves, and caterpillars consume these leaves. Young caterpillars create resting perches from leaf veins, while older ones live in rolled-up leaf shelters.
Geography
The Florida leafwing is found only on Long Pine Key within Everglades National Park. Historically, it was common throughout Miami-Dade County’s pine rocklands, as well as in Big Pine Key, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.
Timeline
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