Donald W. Hall

Question Mark Polygonia interrogationis (Fabricius) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Nymphalinae)

Donald W. Hall

The question mark is a common, medium-sized butterfly of wooded areas and suburbs that is often, but not always, associated with moist areas. With its wings folded, it resembles a dead leaf and is highly cryptic. This document provides an in-depth profile of the question mark butterfly, Polygonia interrogationis, detailing its distribution, physical characteristics, life cycle, and natural enemies. Found throughout the eastern United States and southern Canada, this butterfly is known for its cryptic appearance resembling a dead leaf. The article describes the butterfly's distinct wing patterns, larval hosts, and feeding habits. It also highlights the butterfly's interactions with predators and parasitoids, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of its biology and ecology. Original publication date November 2011. 

Bumelia Webworm Urodus parvula (Edwards 1881) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Urodidae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

American Lady, American Painted Lady, Vanessa virginiensis (Drury) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Nymphalinae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Silver-Spotted Skipper Epargyreus clarus (Cramer) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Hesperidae: Pyrginae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Giant Woolly Bear (larva), Giant or Great Leopard Moth (adult) Hypercompe scribonia (Stoll 1790) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae)

Donald W. Hall

Leaf-Rolling Weevil, Homoeolabus analis (Illiger) (Coleoptera: Attelabidae: Attelabinae) and Thief Weevil, Pterocolus ovatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Rhynchitidae: Pterocolinae)

Donald W. Hall and Lyle J. Buss

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

A Webbing Barklouse, A Psocid, Archipsocus nomas Gurney (Insecta: Psocoptera: Archipsocidae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Polydamas Swallowtail, Gold Rim, Tailless Swallowtail, Battus polydamas lucayus (Rothschild & Jordan) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Papilionidae: Troidini)

Donald W. Hall

This document provides a detailed profile of the Polydamas swallowtail butterfly, Battus polydamas lucayus. It covers its nomenclature, distribution, physical description, life cycle, host plants, and defenses. The article highlights the butterfly's unique characteristics, such as its tailless wings and its larvae's exclusive feeding on Aristolochia plants. It also discusses the butterfly's role in pollination and its interactions with predators. The document is part of the Featured Creatures collection, aimed at both laypersons with some biological knowledge and academic audiences. Original publication date November 1998.

Cassius Blue, Tropical Striped Blue Leptotes cassius (Cramer) (Instecta: Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Polyommatinae)

Donald W. Hall and Jerry F. Butler

Fir Tussock Moth Orgyia detrita Guérin-Méneville, 1831 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Lymantriinae)

Donald W. Hall and Lyle Buss

This document provides an in-depth profile of the fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita), focusing on its distribution, description, life cycle, and medical importance. It details the moth’s larvae, cocoons, pupae, and adult forms, highlighting their unique characteristics and behaviors. The article also discusses the moth’s natural enemies, including predators, pathogens, and parasitoids, and offers control measures for managing infestations. Additionally, it addresses the medical significance of the moth’s urticating hairs, which can cause dermatitis in humans. The document is intended for both laypersons and academic audiences interested in entomology.

Red-Banded Hairstreak Calycopis cecrops (Fabricius 1793) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)

Donald W. Hall and Jerry F. Butler

Palmetto Tortoise Beetle, Florida Tortoise Beetle (unofficial common names), Hemisphaerota cyanea (Say), (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae)

D. W. Hall and J. F. Butler

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Pipevine Swallowtail, Blue Swallowtail Battus philenor (Linnaeus 1771) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Papilionidae: Papilioninae: Troidini)

Donald W. Hall

This document provides an in-depth profile of the pipevine swallowtail butterfly, Battus philenor. It covers the butterfly’s nomenclature, distribution, physical description, life cycle, host plants, natural enemies, and defenses. The article also discusses the butterfly’s mimicry, pollination biology, and the ecological significance of its interactions with host plants and predators. The information is intended for both laypersons with some biological knowledge and academic audiences.

Eastern Pigmy Blue, Brephidium isophthalma pseudofoea (Morrison) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)

Donald W. Hall and Jerry F. Butler

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Southern Cabbageworm (larva), Checkered White (adult) Pontia (=Pieris) protodice (Boisduval & Leconte) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Pieridae: Pierinae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Hickory Horned Devil (Larva), Regal Moth or Royal Walnut Moth (Adult), Citheronia regalis (Fabricius) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Saturniidae: Ceratocampinae)

Donald W. Hall

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. Published by Integrated Pest Management This document provides an in-depth profile of the regal moth, Citheronia regalis, and its larval stage, the hickory horned devil. It covers the moth's distribution, physical description, life cycle, host plants, and natural enemies. The regal moth is notable for its large size and striking appearance. The hickory horned devil, despite its fierce look, is harmless and should be relocated if found in unsuitable environments. The article emphasizes the importance of preserving these moths and provides detailed information for both laypersons and academic audiences. Original publication date August 1998.

Puss Caterpillar (Larva), Southern Flannel Moth (Adult), Megalopyge opercularis (J. E. Smith 1797) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Megalopygidae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Little Metalmark, Calephelis virginiensis (Guérin-Ménéville) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Riodinidae)

Donald W. Hall, Jerry F. Butler, and Marc Minno

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Hackberry Emperor, Asterocampa celtis (Boisduval & Leconte) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Apaturinae)

Donald W. Hall and Jerry F. Butler

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. Published by Integrated Pest Management

Luna Moth, Actias (=Tropaea) luna (Linneaus) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Saturniidae: Saturniinae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Imperial Moth Eacles imperialis imperialis (Drury, 1773) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Saturniidae: Ceratocampinae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Hackberry Petiole Gall Psyllid, Pachypsylla venusta (Osten-Saken)

Donald W. Hall, Jerry F. Butler, and Harvey L. Cromroy

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This document provides an in-depth profile of the hackberry petiole gall psyllid, Pachypsylla venusta, focusing on its biology, distribution, and life cycle. The psyllid forms woody galls on hackberry leaf petioles, which are unsightly but not harmful to the host trees. The article details the appearance of adult and nymph stages, the formation and structure of galls, and the role of endosymbiotic bacteria in the psyllid's nutrition. It also discusses the parasitoids that affect the psyllid and the lack of need for control measures due to minimal tree damage. Original publication date September 1998. 

Tawny Emperor Butterfly Asterocampa clyton (Boisduval & LeConte) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Apaturinae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Phaon Crescent, Mat Plant Crescent, Phyciodes phaon (Edwards) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Donald W. Hall and Jerry F. Butler

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Harvester Butterfly, Feniseca tarquinius (Fabricius) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Melitinae)

Donald W. Hall, Jerry F. Butler, and Marc Minno

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Mourning Cloak (known in the United Kingdom as the Camberwell Beauty) Nymphalis antiopa (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Nymphalinae)

Donald W. Hall and Jerry F. Butler

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Io Moth Automeris io (Fabricius) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Goatweed Butterfly, Goatweed Emperor, Goatweed Leafwing Anaea andria Scudder (1875) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Charaxinae)

Donald W. Hall and Jerry F. Butler

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This document provides an in-depth profile of the goatweed butterfly, Anaea andria Scudder, highlighting its cryptic coloration and adaptive behaviors. It covers the butterfly's distribution across the southern Midwest and South, its physical characteristics, and seasonal dimorphism. The life cycle, including mating habits and larval development, is detailed, along with the butterfly's host plants, primarily species in the genus Croton. The document emphasizes the butterfly's ecological significance and the impact of habitat loss on its population. Original publication date September 1998.

Red-Spotted Purple Limenitis (=Basilarchia) arthemis astyanax (Fabricius) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Limenitidinae)

Donald W. Hall and Jerry F. Butler

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Tiger Swallowtail, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Papilio glaucus Linnaeus (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

Donald W. Hall and Jerry F. Butler

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Eastern Black Swallowtail: Papilio polyxenes asterius (Stoll) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

Donald Hall

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. Published by Integrated Pest Management. This document provides an in-depth profile of the eastern black swallowtail butterfly, Papilio polyxenes asterius. It covers its distribution, physical description, life cycle, natural enemies, defenses, host plants, and economic importance. The butterfly is found throughout southern Canada, the eastern and mid-western United States, and northern Mexico. It is admired for its beauty but can occasionally be a pest. The document includes identification keys and discusses management strategies for controlling the butterfly in home gardens. Original publication date November 2011.

Laurelcherry Smoky Moth, Neoprocris floridana Tarmann 1984 (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Zygaenidae: Procridinae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Zebra Swallowtail Protographium marcellus (Cramer) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

Donald W. Hall and Jerry F. Butler

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Palamedes Swallowtail, Laurel Swallowtail, Papilio palamedes (Drury 1773) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio (Pterourus) troilus Linnaeus 1758 (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Papilionidae: Papilioninae)

Donald W. Hall and Jerry F. Butler

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Ornate Bella Moth, Rattlebox Moths Utetheisa ornatrix (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Great Purple Hairstreak; Great Blue Hairstreak Atlides halesus (Cramer) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Banded Net-Winged Beetle, Calopteron discrepans (Newman) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Lycidae)

Donald W. Hall and Marc A. Branham

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Polyphemus Moth Antheraea polyphemus (Cramer) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Saturniidae: Saturniinae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Dingy Purplewing Butterfly, Eunica monima (Stoll) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Limenitidinae)

D. W. Hall, J. F. Butler, and Marc Minno

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

American Snout, Libytheana carinenta (Cramer) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Libytheinae)

Donald W. Hall and Jerry F. Butler

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Orchard Orbweaver, Orchard Spider Leucauge argyrobapta (White), Leucauge venusta (Walckenaer) (Arachnida: Araneae: Tetragnathidae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Cloudless Sulphur Phoebis sennae (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Pieridae: Coliadinae)

Donald W. Hall, Thomas J. Walker, and Marc C. Minno

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Eastern Dobsonfly (Adult), Hellgrammite (Larva) Corydalus cornutus (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Megaloptera: Corydalidae: Corydalinae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Atala Butterfly, Atala Hairstreak, Coontie Hairstreak, Eumaeus atala Poey 1832 (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)

Sandy Koi and Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Red Bay Psyllid, Trioza magnoliae (Ashmead) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psyllidae)

Donald W. Hall

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Red admiral Vanessa atalanta rubria (Fruhstorfer) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Nymphalinae)

Donald W. Hall and Jerry F. Butler

Eastern Comma, Hop Merchant, Comma Anglewing, Polygonia comma (Harris) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Nymphalinae)

Donald W. Hall and Jerry F. Butler

The eastern comma is a relatively small, inconspicuous butterfly that is rather closely associated with moist woods where its preferred nettle hosts grow, but it sometimes strays into other areas. With its wings folded, it resembles a dead leaf and is highly cryptic.