Diet

• Caterpillars feed on a variety of plants from several families.

• Documented host plants include members of the Asteraceae, Bignoniaceae, Cannabaceae and Fabaceae.

• The caterpillars are associated particularly with flowers and young plant growth rather than feeding exclusively on mature leaves.

• Adults feed on flower nectar.

Range

• Rekoa zebina ranges from eastern and western Mexico through Central America to northwestern Costa Rica.

• It occurs in Guerrero and is found in the Zihua area.

• The species is is found in both tropical dry forest and more humid tropical environments within its range.

Habitat

• It occurs in tropical dry forest, woodland, forest edges, clearings and secondary vegetation.

• It is particularly associated with flowering vegetation and sunny openings.

• In western Mexico it can occur in warm lowland and foothill habitats, including seasonally dry forest.

Description

• A small hairstreak with a wingspan of approximately 25–32 mm.

• Males have a blue to violet-blue upper surface, while females are generally paler and more brownish or greyish above.

• The underside is grey-brown to dark grey, with fine lines and contrasting markings that provide camouflage among foliage.

• The hindwing has a small tail and a conspicuous orange or reddish eyespot near the anal angle.

• The male's blue upper surface can be quite brilliant in direct sunlight but is easily missed when the butterfly is resting with its wings closed.