Castilla Crescent
Common NameCastilla Crescent
Scientific NameCastilia castilla
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeMexico, Central America, and northern South America (e.g., Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru)
Host PlantsJusticia, Ruellia, Aphelandra
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs laid on host plants, larvae feed on leaves, pupates into a chrysalis, then emerges as an adult butterfly.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its predominantly black wings with a single, large, irregular orange patch on the forewing. The underside is similar but may have duller colors or subtle markings.
Description
A small to medium-sized butterfly with velvety black wings, featuring a prominent, irregular orange patch on each forewing. The hindwings are mostly black.
