Melinaea ethra Bates
Identification:
Large, forewing medial and subapical bands broken, paired white marginal spots below, strong hindwing discal bar, forewing rear margin all black.

Male dorsal

 Male ventral

Female dorsal

 Female ventral

Wingspan: 85-86mm

Forewing length: 44mm

Local distribution: Above 600 m on Pacific slope; more common on Atlantic slope below 700 m.

Similar species: Mechanitis spp., Melinaea scylax, Tithorea harmonia, Hypothyris euclea

Non ithomiine mimics: Dismorphia amphiona, D. eunoe, Eueides isabella, Heliconius ismenius

Species range: Mexico to South America

Abundance: Uncommon

Larval host plants:

Juanulloa mexicana
Merinthopodium neuranthum

Early stages: Solitary

Comments:

Monteverde butterflies
Copyright © 2001-2006 by William A. Haber, http://efg.cs.umb.edu/
Created: 28 December 2000. Updated: 10 December 2006.