Melanis pixe, the red-bordered pixie, is a species in the butterfly family Riodinidae. It was described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1836.

Melanis pixe has a wingspan of about 40 mm. The upperside of the wings is black. The tip of forewing is yellow orange and the base has a red spot. The hindwing outer margin has a band of red spots. Eggs are laid in groups of 10 to 30 on the host tree leaves, stems, or bark and the caterpillars feed on the leaves.

Description

This species is found in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas south to Costa Rica.

Distribution and habitat

The larvae feed on Albizia caribea, Inga species and Pithecellobium species (including Pithecellobium dulce).

Biology

harmful

bite

Melanis pixe is considered a tree pest because it has a tendency to feed on the foliage, bark, or wood of trees, causing damage to their health and overall structure.

tree pest

Melanis pixe can be considered garden pests because they have a tendency to feed on the plants commonly found in gardens, causing damage to the foliage and potentially impacting the overall health and appearance of the garden plants.

garden pest

Melanis pixe can be considered crop pests because they have the potential to feed on and damage various crops, affecting their growth, yield, and overall quality. Their feeding habits can lead to economic losses for farmers and impact agricultural productivity.

crop pest

Melanis pixe is considered a pest because it has a harmful impact on trees, gardens, and crops by feeding on their foliage, bark, or wood, causing damage to their health, appearance, and overall productivity.

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What does red-Bordered Pixie eat?

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