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No, the atala butterfly (Eumaeus atala florida) is not native to Texas! The butterfly is a tropical species that has been historically documented (1800's) in southeast Florida only. Recently, some people have been introducing it into southwest Florida (to the consternation of many conservation lepidopterists!) The Florida butterfly is considered a subspecies of the Caribbean nominal race, Eumaeus atala atala. The species has a historical range that extends from southern Palm Beach County to northern Monroe County, and is still more prevalent in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. The butterfly will disperse and extend its range during the summer months, but "freeze-back" during the winter months to overwinter in pockets in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. The butterfly has a normal "crash-irruption" cycle, which means that the population in a colony will out-grow its food source--by the hundreds--and will crash to zero (several Zamia species, our only native cycad, are the only larval food source. The cycad has many scientific names, but most are commonly called "coontie.") The Caribbean species populate the pinelands in the Bahamas, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and other tropical islands in the archipelago. (I have been studying this insect for 6 years!)
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What does the atala butterfly eat?
They live on the host plant native to Florida known as the Coontie where the Atala caterpillars spend their time eating this toxic plant, which in turn, renders it unappealing to predators or face the prospect of a toxic meal. As an adult, the Atala Butterfly feasts on the nectar of various plants.
What is the scientific name for the Lepidoptera known as the Atala butterfly?
The accepted scientific name is Eumaeus atala florida.
When was Team Atala created?
Team Atala was created in 1912.
When did Team Atala end?
Team Atala ended in 1912.
When was Alex Atala born?
Alex Atala was born in 1968.
When was Karen Atala born?
Karen Atala was born in 1963.
When was Atala - company - created?
Atala - company - was created in 1921.
When was Anthony Atala born?
Anthony Atala was born in 1958.
When was Atala T created?
Atala T was created in 2002.
When was Yamil Atala born?
Yamil Atala was born on February 5, 1962.
What is the name of the red butterfly native to nz?
The Widdock Butterfly
What does a butterfly symbolize in native American culture?
A butterfly symbol means "Everlasting Life" in the Native American culture
