About Mestra hersilia
Mestra is a genus of nymphalid butterflies. Most sources currently recognize only one species in this genus: Mestra dorcas, commonly called the Jamaican mestra. This species ranges from southern North America south to South America. A potential second species, Mestra cana (the St Lucia mestra), has been reported from the Lesser Antilles, but this record may stem from a misidentification. The wingspan of Mestra dorcas is 35–50 mm. In southern Texas, adult Mestra dorcas are active year-round, reaching peak abundance between June and November. Adults have been observed feeding on nectar from Lantana flowers. The larvae of this species feed on Tragia neptifolia, though this scientific name may actually be a misspelling of Tragia nepetifolia.
