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Mexican silverspot

Mexican silverspot

Dione moneta

A species of Dione

Dione moneta is a butterfly from the Nymphalidae family. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1819 by Jacob Hübner.

General Info About Mexican silverspot
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Attributes of Mexican silverspot
Colors
Black
White
Orange
Habitat
forest
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar from various flowering plants
Larva Food Source
Passiflora species leaves
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
The Mexican silverspot can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Mexican silverspot is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
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Life Cycle of Mexican silverspot
Egg The embryonic stage starts when eggs are laid on host plants. Eggs are tiny, spherical, and often have a protective color that blends with the plant's surface.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva or caterpillar emerges, primarily focused on feeding. It has a segmented body, chewing mouthparts, and may display warning colors or mimicry for defense.
Pupal The larva transitions into a pupa, during which it is immobile and undergoes a profound transformation. The pupa can blend into the environment or have protective structures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult mexican silverspot’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Mexican silverspot
8 - 8 cm
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Predators of Mexican silverspot Larvae
Birds, small mammals, reptiles, other insects, arachnids
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Predators of Adult Mexican silverspot
Birds, mammals, reptiles, spiders, insects such as dragonflies and mantises
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Interesting Facts About Mexican silverspot
Adult mexican silverspot exhibits a rare trait of feeding on caustic plants and can convert the ingested toxins into a personal defense mechanism against predators.
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Scientific Classification of Mexican silverspot
Tips for Finding Mexican silverspot
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How Can You Attract Mexican silverspot
Mexican silverspot adults are attracted to nectar, while caterpillars feed on specific host plants.
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Habitat Preferences of Mexican silverspot Through Different Life Stages
Mexican silverspot larvae are typically found munching on host plants, particularly vines from the Passifloraceae family. After hatching from eggs, they remain on the underside of leaves to stay hidden from predators. Pupae of mexican silverspot, transforming into adults, are often located on the stems or the underside of the leaves of the host plants, where they blend in seamlessly with their surroundings. To find them, one must search carefully through the foliage, examining each part of the plant. Adult mexican silverspot are generally easier to spot as they feed on nectar from various flowering plants and are attracted to open, sunny areas such as gardens, fields, and the edges of forests.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Mexican silverspot
The best time to find mexican silverspot is during daylight hours when adults are active, while caterpillars can be found throughout the day.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Mexican silverspot
Mexican silverspot adults are typically active in warm, sunny weather, and it is the optimal condition to observe them flying or feeding on flowers.
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How and Where Can You Find Mexican silverspot at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of mexican silverspot are laid on the underside of host plant leaves. Inspect the chosen plants by carefully examining the underside of the leaves for small, spherical or ovular objects that might be their eggs.
Larva Mexican silverspot larvae can be found on or near their host plants. Look for signs of feeding, such as chewed leaves, and search for the caterpillars which may be camouflaged.
Pupal Pupae of mexican silverspot may be attached to plant stems or leaves, often in less visible areas to avoid predation. Carefully search around the host plants, especially looking under leaves and near the base of plants.
Adult The adults are easily spotted when they are active, feeding on flower nectar, or basking in sunlight. Search in areas with abundant wildflowers, gardens, or meadows during fair weather conditions.
Are Mexican silverspot harmful?
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The mexican silverspot can cause toxic reactions with a wide range of severity. However, the toxins are typically targeted at their prey and predators. They are usually not fatal to humans.

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Are Mexican silverspot harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Mexican silverspot
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Mexican silverspot plays an important role in pollination due to its interaction with flowers while searching for nectar. During this process, they inadvertently carry pollen from one blossom to another, facilitating plant reproduction. Their vibrant wings and affinity for brightly colored and fragrant flowers make them excellent and unintentional pollinators.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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