Gold-banded Forester
Common NameGold-banded Forester
Scientific NameAsterope markii
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyBiblidinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsorange, black, pink, purple
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral and South America (Costa Rica to Bolivia and Brazil)
Host PlantsDalechampia
Flight PeriodYear-round
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 TipsKey identification features include the striking iridescent pink/purple on the inner wings combined with the bold orange and black banding on the forewing tips.
Description
This medium-sized butterfly features iridescent pink to purple hindwings and inner forewings, sharply contrasted by broad black and bright orange bands on the outer forewings.
