Cream-spotted Tigerwing
Common NameCream-spotted Tigerwing
Scientific NameMechanitis polymnia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
Wingspan (mm)65
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, cream
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings, disturbed areas, gardens
Geographic RangeMexico through Central America to tropical South America (Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, etc.)
Host PlantsSolanum spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on host plant leaves. Larvae are black with yellow stripes and spines. Pupae are often golden or silvery.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its black forewings with cream spots and prominent orange hindwings with a black, white-spotted margin. It is a member of a Müllerian mimicry complex.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with black forewings marked with cream-yellow spots, and bright orange hindwings bordered with black and small white spots.
