Goatweed Leafwing Butterfly

Open wings reveal a gorgeous orange topside, but the more commonly closed wings can still showcase a unique edge.

Updated: 5/22/2020; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org

Goatweed Leafwing Butterfly Videos

One tough Goatweed Leafwing bracing against the winds

The large Goatweed Leafwing blends in seamlessly among tree trunks, leaf litter and wood piles when its wings are closed, striking a keen resemblance to a dried out leaf. When in flight, the tops of the wings on this fast flyer flash bright orange. It is best admired when resting with wings open flat, but it is rarely so obliging. The edges of the wings are not round like other butterflies. Instead, they seem almost gracefully carved, with a short tail on each hindwing.

The gray-green caterpillar for this butterfly feeds on goatweed and crotons, like hogwort and silver croton. Two broods per year can be produced with more possible in the southern part of its range. Look for adults in open woods and near streams. Adults drink tree sap, and the liquid from rotting fruit and fresh dung.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Nymphalidae

Genus: Anaea

Species: andria

Identifying Information

Scientific Name: Anaea andria

Category: Butterfly or Moth

Size (Adult; Length): 57mm to 76mm (2.22in to 2.96in)

Colors: brown; tan; orange

Descriptors: orange wings; jagged wings; arch; pointy; tooth; flying; flat

Territorial Map

Alaska

Hawaii

Prince Edward Is.

Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico

Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic

Territorial Reach (A-to-Z)

Newfoundland and Labrador

Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.

Butterfly and Moth Anatomy

Graphic showing basic anatomy of a common North American butterfly and moth insect

Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.

Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.

Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.

Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.

Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.

Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.

NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.

Goatweed Leafwing Butterfly (Anaea andria)

Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Goatweed Leafwing Butterfly.

Open wings reveal a gorgeous orange topside, but the more commonly closed wings can still showcase a unique edge.

Goatweed Leafwing Butterfly Videos