Irenia Metalmark
Common NameIrenia Metalmark
Scientific NameIrenia lucagus
FamilyRiodinidae
SubfamilyRiodininae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, blue
HabitatTropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (from Mexico south to Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia)
Host Plantsvarious dicotyledonous plants
Flight PeriodYear-round (in suitable tropical climates)
Lifecycle NotesLarvae typically feed on various dicotyledonous plants and may exhibit myrmecophilous associations with ants. Pupae are often cryptic.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the dark brown wings with broad white and iridescent blue bands, especially the large white patch on the hindwings bordered by blue, and the white patch with a blue band on the forewings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown wings featuring striking white and iridescent blue bands across both forewings and hindwings. The forewings also have small white spots near the apex.
