Flight:  Mainly mid to late March through mid-April.

Distribution:  Throughout.

Wingspan:  2 5/8 in.

 

Between 12 noon and 2 p.m., males will often perch conspicuously in the open on yucca leaves and stalks, dead stumps and twigs, or fallen leaves on the ground. 

 

The caterpillar is tea-colored with a reddish-brown head during the first few months and becomes whiter with time.   As it consumes the tuber, it creates in the process, an ever deeper tunnel in which to reside.  Droppings are expelled through the center of the plant where they begin to accumulate.  Later, the larva prepares a protective chimney of silk several inches long, which protrudes from the plant and is often called a "tent".  Inside, the chrysalis can move up or down.  After emerging, the butterfly will hold on to it as it readies its wings (see photos on next page).