Diet

• Caterpillars are unusually polyphagous and feed on plants in several families.

• Larvae commonly feed on flower heads and developing reproductive structures rather than relying exclusively on leaves.

Range

• Rekoa palegon ranges from Mexico south through Central America and the Caribbean to Argentina, with populations extending through much of northern and central South America.

• It occurs in both western and eastern Mexico, and Guerrero falls within its range.

• It occurs in the Zihua area.

Habitat

• It occurs in tropical and subtropical forest edges, scrub, woodland clearings and disturbed vegetation.

• It is particularly associated with flowering plants and secondary growth, where its numerous larval host plants are available.

• Adults can be encountered along roadsides, trails, gardens and open forest margins.

• In the Zihua area, sunny tropical woodland and disturbed areas with flowering Asteraceae provide suitable habitat.

Description

• A small hairstreak with a wingspan of approximately 23–28 mm.

• The upper surface is generally dull brown, with relatively inconspicuous markings compared with the brilliant blue Rekoa marius.

• The underside is grey to grey-brown with fine irregular lines and a distinctive orange-brown border along the outer margins.

• The hindwing has a small tail and a contrasting orange eyespot near the anal angle.

• The cryptic underside allows adults to disappear readily against dry leaves and vegetation.