Harmonia Tigerwing
Common NameHarmonia Tigerwing
Scientific NameTithorea harmonia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, black, yellow
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (from Mexico to Brazil and Peru)
Host PlantsPrestonia spp., Mandevilla spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on toxic Apocynaceae plants, sequestering toxins that make both the caterpillars and adults unpalatable to predators. Eggs are laid singly or in small clusters, and the larvae are often spiny.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pattern of orange hindwings with black spots and black forewings with prominent yellow bands. The antennae are black with pale yellow tips, and it often flies slowly and deliberately.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with striking orange hindwings and black forewings marked with bright yellow bands and spots. The underside of the hindwing is predominantly orange with a series of black spots along the margin.
