appearance here in Illinois. It is one of our "seasonal
colonizers" of the Midwest states. The larvae feed on
Partridge Pea (Cassia) whilst the adults prefer Aster
flowers.
Old (relict) fields which have been taken-back by
nature are the MOST likely haunts of the species.
In my region, adults begin to appear in mid-July
and last until late Sept. Each year their occurrence
varies. Most years though it is weak and seeing 2 or
3 is about it. Last summer, I only saw one as our
summer was rather dry.
Large (males + females) are about the size of a quarter
but, smaller examples come in at about nickel size.
Measurements vary between 32 - 44 mm.
As seen in the picture (males) are like bright "little
sunspots" which flash here and there as they speed
along the low foliage searching for mates or the
happenstance mud puddle.
The lighter females are easy to spot yet, I still find
fewer of them overall....
I really do my very best at spreading these little
treasures as quickly as I can get home. They remain
loose and pliable (to work with) for only a short time.
It's really the only way to go if you hope to get pristine
specimens.