Red Rim
Biblis hyperia
Description 2-2 1/8" (51-54 mm). All black above except for crimson bands around HW, which are bordered outwardly by black, scalloped margin. Bands pink below.
Similar Species Ruby-spotted Swallowtail larger; longer wings have crimson patches, not bands.
Life Cycle Egg off-white, grooved and tufted on top. Caterpillar thickened in middle, green with red and brown spots, many spiny red knobs on body, longer horns on head. Chrysalis irregular, mottled brown. Host plant is tragia (Tragia volubilis) in Brazil.
Flight Year-round in Tropics, in greater abundance following rainy season.
Habitat Subtropical thorn scrub and roadsides.
Range Mexico to Panama; occasionally to S. Texas.
Discussion The Red Rim probably does not breed north of Mexico. It is one of many species of tropical and subtropical butterflies that can be considered part-time members of the Texas butterfly fauna.
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