Nectar Sources for Eumaeus Atala (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Theclinae) (Scientific Notes) (Report‪)‬

I report on nectar sources used by the tropical hairstreak butterfly Eumaeus atala atala Poey and the subspecies E. atala florida Rober (Lycaenidae: Lepidoptera), including those that have not been published previously. In addition to the importance and presence of larval host plants, availability of nectar sources for adults is also important in establishing viable populations. I also list the current conservation status of the atala butterfly as determined by 4 Florida State conservation agencies. The atala butterfly is a species almost wholly dependent on domestic gardens for its survival now because of the lack of wild lands in South Florida. Reintroduction of the atala butterfly is vital to its recovery from a vulnerable status. This article will facilitate conservation and restoration efforts for this species of special concern, as well as encourage cultivation of butterfly gardens.