Florida Museum Science

Atala (Eumaeus atala) is a native #Florida butterfly that is also found in Cuba and the Bahamas. But it wasn't seen in Florida for over 20 years because it couldn't find enough coontie (Zamia integrifolia) which is its host plant! They have vibrant red-orange abdomens and spots, warning predators that they're toxic. As of late, Atala numbers rebounded with conservation help and propagation of its host plant. #SummerOfSpecimens #butterflies #hairstreaks