(Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Issue No. 434
An exotic butterfly
James E. Hayden
June, 2017
Introduction
Prepona laertes (Hübner) is a butterfly native to South and Central America. In August 2013, USDA and FDACSDPI found an established population of the species in Broward County, Florida (Hayden 2013). The caterpillars feed on leaves of cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco L.). The simultaneous presence of adult butterflies, eggs, caterpillars of all stages, plus an anecdotal prior sighting, suggested establishment some months prior to discovery. The infestation has persisted to the present time in a localized area in Coconut Creek, Florida.