Postman

The Postman is a member of the Nymphalidae family and has a wingspan of 2 1/4 to 3 1/8 inches (5.5-8 cm.). It is found in tropical and subtropical forests and edges from Brazil north through Central America to Mexico; it is a rare stray to South Texas. The Postman has a black forewing with a pink-red band, the hindwing black with yellow stripe. Males patrol during the day for females, and also mate with females as they emerge from the chrysalis. After mating, males place a repellant chemical on the female’s abdomen to keep other males from mating with her. Eggs are laid singly on young tendrils and shoots, which the caterpillars eat. the larvae eat various passion-vines (Passiflora species). The adults ingest flower nectar and pollenches (5.5-8 cm.).

It is found in tropical and subtropical forests and edges from Brazil north through Central America to Mexico; it is a rare stray to South Texas. The Postman has a black forewing with a pink-red band, the hindwing black with yellow stripe. Males patrol during the day for females, and also mate with females as they emerge from the chrysalis. After mating, males place a repellant chemical on the female’s abdomen to keep other males from mating with her. Eggs are laid singly on young tendrils and shoots, which the caterpillars eat. the larvae eat various passion-vines (Passiflora species). The adults ingest flower nectar and pollen.