Goatweed Leafwing
(Anaea andria)
This species has been reported as occurring in the Racine area in the 19th century. No records of this species occuring in Wisconsin are known from the 20th century. It has been recorded from Northern Illinois and in three southern counties in Michigan, and should be looked for in the southern counties, especially along the Mississippi River or along Lake Michigan.
Identifying characteristics: The wing of the Goatweed Leafwing is distinctively shaped with a very downward curved tip of the upper wing and a small tail on the hind wing. The color of the male (photo on the right) is a uniform orange/copper with few markings and a purplish border. The female is similar but with more marking above. Both sexes are a uniform gray below.
Similar species: There are no similar species that are found in Wisconsin.
Habitat: Forest edges and opening in woodlands.
Flight: This species is an immigrant from farther south where it has two broods a year. In Michigan this species has been collected from May to October.
Abundance: A very rare stray in Wisconsin. The host plant of this species is croton, a species that doesn’t grow in Wisconsin, so it is unlikely that a colony of this species will develop here.
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Goatweed Leafwing
Anaea andria