Black-patched Cracker
Common NameBlack-patched Cracker
Scientific NameHamadryas atlantis
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyBiblidinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsblue, black, brown
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeMexico, Central America (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama), and northern South America
Host PlantsDalechampia spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae feed on plants in the Euphorbiaceae family, particularly *Dalechampia* species.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its intricate light blue and dark brown/black pattern with prominent eyespots. Often rests head-down on tree trunks and is known for the 'cracking' sound made during flight.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown to black wings intricately patterned with bright light blue markings and prominent concentric eyespots on both forewings and hindwings.
