Cracker Butterflies
| Limenitidinae: Admirals and Relatives California Sister Common Mestra Lorquin's Admiral Mexican Bluewing Butterfly Pictures |
The group gets its name for the cracking sound made by males, hypothesized as a mating call. Butterfly sound communication is gaining acceptance among butterfly researchers. Sound patterns made by some species of long wing butterflies are under study to determine their utility.
The picture shows one cracker species, with its characteristic dull, mottled wings. Coloration provides camouflage for the butterfly while perching on tree branches.
About ten different cracker species can be occasionally sighted in the southern most parts of Florida, Texas and Arizona.
© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels