Melinaea scylax Salvin
Identification:
Large, forewing medial band continuous, no hindwing discal bar, no white marginal spots below, forewing rear margin black only at end, yellow spot in forewing tornus.

Male dorsal

 Male ventral

Female dorsal

 Female ventral

Wingspan: 74-82mm

Forewing length: 43mm

Local distribution: Uncommon in forest fragments on lower Pacific slope; recorded once in Peñas Blancas valley at 400 m.

Similar species: Mechanitis lysimnia, M. polymnia, Tithorea harmonia, Hypothyris lycaste

Species range: Costa Rica to South America

Abundance: Rare

Larval host plants:
Juanulloa mexicana, Merinthopodium neuranthum (apparently in captivity, DeVries 1987)

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.