Julia butterfly

Dryas iulia

ORDER: Lepidoptera

FAMILY: Nymphalidae

Description

A long-winged, brilliant orange butterfly of deep South Texas, the Julia drifts along woodland edges and gardens with a slow, floating flight. A tropical species at the northern edge of its range here, it is a prized sight in the Rio Grande Valley.

Location

Texas

Habitat

subtropical woodland edges and gardens

Season

warm months, mainly South Texas

Size

wingspan ~3-3.5 in / 82-92 mm

Diet

flower nectar; caterpillars eat passionvine

Conservation Status

Not Evaluated