While doing our masters degree from Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, Roosevelet County, New Mexico, USA, we got a chance to explore the state and witness some of the most beautiful butterflies in North America.
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Callisto nubila - Puertorican Callisto
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Antillea pelops - Antillean Crescent
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Atlantea tulita - Puertorican Harlequin
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Anartia jatrophae - White Peacock
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Hemiargus hanno - Hanno Blue
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Strymon acis - Caribbean Scrub-hairstreak
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Ephyriades arcas - Glossy Duskywing
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Pyrisitia puertoricensis - Puertorican Yellow
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Choranthus vitellius - V-mark Skipper
In February-March 2024, we had the privilege of documenting the butterfly fauna of Puerto Rico, thanks to funding from the Entomological Society of America (ESA). During our expedition, we explored various regions, including El Yunque National Forest, Guanica, Maricao, Quebradillas, and Arecio.
We successfully documented 64 species of butterflies, capturing photographs of 60 of them. Although we encountered four additional species - Ministrymon azia, Papilio demoleus, Heraclides androgeus, and Heraclides pelaus - we were unable to photograph them. This enriching experience expanded our knowledge and contributed valuable data to the scientific community.
Rarity Index:
extremely rare: 1 individual seen
very rare: 2-3 individuals seen
rare: 4-5 individuals seen
uncommon: 6-10 individuals seen
common: 10 plus individuals seen
* beside rarity color represents the species is local. For instance, * represents the species is rare and local.
Hesperiids are commonly known as skippers and are members of true butterflies (Papilionoidea). They have hooked antennae and small wings compared to their bulky bodies. Some groups keep their wings closed while some prefer to keep them flat open. Hesperiids have a very fast flight what with some are called swifts and darts.
Also known as the whites and yellows, Pieridae can often be seen mud-puddling. The name "butterfly" is believed to have originated from common brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni which is butter in color.
Also known as the blues because of the blue upperwings of most species, this family contains some of the smallest butterflies of the world. Brephidium exilis - Western Pygmy-blue, is considered to be the smallest butterfly found in the USA.
Commonly known as the brush-footed butterflies, members of this family have only four functional legs while the forelegs are vestigial. Previously it was separated into different families such as Danaindae, Satyridae, Libytheidae, etc. which now are treated as the subfamilies of Nymphalidae.
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