About Abaeis mexicana
Abaeis mexicana, commonly called the Mexican yellow, has the following physical description: On the upperside of its wings, the base color is pale yellow. The forewing has a black submarginal border that outlines a pattern shaped like a dog or wolf face. The hindwing has a small black border along its outer margin, and males have a distinct bright yellow patch on the leading edge of the hindwing. The underside of the wings shows seasonal color variation: it is pale yellow in individuals that emerge in summer, while winter individuals are pale yellow with reddish markings, or entirely reddish pink. The hindwing is distinctly sharply pointed. This species has a wingspan ranging from 1 1/4 to 2 1/4 inches (32 to 57 mm). This butterfly lives in a wide range of open habitats, including woodland edges, open woodlands, and desert grasslands. In its life cycle, males fly and patrol throughout the day to search for females. The larva is green, with a creamy or yellow stripe running down the middle of its back, and a yellow stripe along each side of its body. The Mexican yellow produces 3 to 4 broods each year.
