The Goatweed Leafwing butterfly is found in various parts of the U.S. including deep south Florida and south Texas. Its orange color with black spots and patterns, and leaf-like wings, makes it difficult to spot. The underside is brown or gray with darker brown marks; when the wings are folded, it appears as a dead leaf.

 

“Goatweed Leafwing Butterfly” by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClareen, licensed under (CC BY 2.0)

 

Goatweed Leafwing Facts

Butterfly Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Charaxinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 2 3/8 – 3 1/4 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Deciduous woods and scrub, especially along waterways; open fields, roadsides, and railroad tracks

 

Goatweed Leafwing Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Goatweed
• Texas Croton
• Alabama Croton
• Prairie Tea

Nectar Plants:

• Tree Sap
• Rotting Fruit