Zaretis itys

Zaretis itys
Zaretis itys from Brasil. Mounted specimen, upperside
Underside
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Charaxinae
Tribe: Anaeini
Genus: Zaretis
Species: Z. itys
Binomial name
Zaretis itys
(Cramer, [1777])
Synonyms
  • Papilio itys Cramer, [1777]
  • Anaea itys
  • Siderone itys itylus Westwood, 1850
  • Zaretes pseuditys Fruhstorfer, 1909

Zaretis itys, common name skeletonized leafwing or leaf wing butterfly, is a Neotropical nymphalid butterfly genus in the subfamily Charaxinae.

Subspecies

Description

Zaretis itys has a wingspan of about 55–60 millimetres (2.2–2.4 in). The upperside of both wings is dull orange. The underside of the wings simulates dried leaves in colour and pattern. The ground colour is usually earthy brown.[1]

Biology

Caterpillars feed on leaves of Casearia and Laetia species (Salicaceae). They usually bind their droppings together with silk as protection from ants.[2]

Distribution

This species can be found from Mexico to the Guyanas,o Paraguay, Surinam and Brazil. [1][3]

Bibliography

References

External links

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