Anthanassa frisia


Anthanassa frisia, the Cuban crescentspot, Cuban checkerspot or Cuban crescent, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. Subspecies tulcis is known by the common names pale-banded crescent or Tulcis crescent; it is treated as a species by some authors.

Subspecies

  • Anthanassa frisia frisia
  • Anthanassa frisia hermas
  • Anthanassa frisia taeniata
  • Anthanassa frisia dubia
  • ''Anthanassa frisia tulcis''

Description

The wingspan of subspecies frisia is 32–45 mm. Adults are on wing most of the year in southern Florida and throughout the year in the tropics. Subspecies tulcis has a wingspan of 32–35 mm. Adults are on wing from May to November in southern Texas.

Distribution

The nominate subspecies is found in the West Indies and southern Florida, with strays to northern Florida. Subspecies tulcis is found from Argentina north through Central America and Mexico to southern Texas, strays to west Texas and southern Arizona. Other subspecies are resident to South America.

Ecology

Larvae of subspecies frisia feed on Beloperone guttata, while tulcis larvae have been recorded on Dicliptera species. Other recorded food plants include Ruellia species. Adults feed on flower nectar.