Arete Cracker
Common NameArete Cracker
Scientific NameHamadryas arete
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyBiblidinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsblack, blue
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSouth America (Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia)
Host PlantsDalechampia spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on leaves, pupate into a chrysalis, and emerge as adults.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its black and iridescent blue spotted pattern, its habit of perching head-down on tree trunks, and the characteristic 'cracking' sound it makes.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with velvety black wings adorned with numerous brilliant iridescent blue spots, particularly concentrated on the forewings and hindwings.
