Catonephele numilia esite

(Felder, 1869)

Vernacular names
English : Blue-frosted banner
French : Cordonnier à taches oranges

Classification
Class : Insecta
Order : Lepidoptera
Family : Nymphalidae
Notes : 4 other subspecies known.

Identification
The species can reach a wingspan of 7 cm. Strong sexual dimorphism in color and wing-shape. Female is dark blue with two vertical white bands and red dots on upperside. Male is black with conspicuous large bright orange spots.

Range and habitat
The species is found in Central and South America, from Mexico to Colombia, south to southern Brazil and Bolivia. Subspecies found from south Mexico to Colombia. Lives in lowland humid forests and forest edges, up to 100 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species hasn’t been assessed but it has a huge range and remains globally common. Locally, the species may be threatened by deforestation.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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