Size:
Wingspan is 2 5/8 - 3 7/8 inches.

Similar Species:
Soldier (very rare stray)
Monarch

Habitat:
Coastal marshes, tidal areas and edges of maritime forests.

Range/Abundance:
Rare to uncommon along the coastal plain near tidal marshes from the Outer Banks southward. This is a migrant from the south.

Flight Period:
Adults fly from early July until late October in at least two broods with a gap between broods. More data is needed on this southern migrant.

Larval Host Plants:
Milkweeds and milkweed vines including Sand-vine Cynanchum augustifolium.

Comments:
This species is common inside butterfly houses and escapees might be possible.

The best places in the region to find this species is around Charleston, SC and Fort Fisher, NC.

The top photo was taken at Fort Fisher in New Hanover Co., NC on August 26, 2000. The second and bottom photos were taken in the Carolina Pavilion Butterfly House in Durham, NC.

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