North American Ecology (US and Canada)

Poanes melane is a year-round resident in California and southwestern Texas, ranging south to Panama. This species is migratory in some parts of its range and strays into southern Arizona from Mexico (Scott 1986). Habitats are urban yards and low-altitude grassy areas in California, foothills in Arizona-western Texas. Host plants are several species of grasses and the sedge Carex spissa (Cyperaceae). There are several flights each year with the approximate flight time April1-Oct. 31 (Scott 1986).