About Tmolus echion (Linnaeus, 1767)
Tmolus echion, commonly known as the red-spotted hairstreak or larger lantana butterfly, is a species of butterfly belonging to the family Lycaenidae. Its native range extends from Brazil, northward to Sinaloa and Tamaulipas in Mexico. Rare stray individuals of this species can occasionally be found in southern Texas. It was intentionally introduced to Hawaii in 1902 for the purpose of controlling lantana. The wingspan of adult Tmolus echion ranges from 22 to 32 mm. In southern Texas, adult butterflies are on the wing in May, while they are active year-round in both Hawaii and Mexico. Adult Tmolus echion feed on flower nectar. The larvae of this species feed on a variety of tropical plants, including species of verbena, mint, and potato.
