Marius Hairstreak

I found five caterpillars back in September 2005 feeding on my duranta erecta bush. Had no idea what they were so I sent photos to Texas Entomologist Mike Quinn who forwarded them to Jim Brock. The caterpillars had not been seen before but Brock pushed strongly towards them being the rare rekoa marius. It was suggested that I raise them to see what they'd turn out to be. I'd never raised a caterpillar before so I let a local lepidopterist foster them - they turned out to be that rare butterfly!!! (The butterflies that emerged were released back onto the duranta bush were the caterpillars were found)

Throughout September and October of that year several other Marius Hairstreaks were seen around the Lower Rio Grande Valley as well as other caterpillars on other durantas a... read moreround town. Those that were feeding on the duranta leaves were green and those feeding on the duranta's purple flowers were a mauve/purple color!!!