Ludovica Tigerwing
Common NameLudovica Tigerwing
Scientific NameMelinaea ludovica
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyIthomiini
Wingspan (mm)70
Primary Colorsorange, black, yellow, white
HabitatTropical rainforests, cloud forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral America (Costa Rica, Panama) to South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil)
Host PlantsSolanum, Cestrum, Juanulloa
Flight PeriodYear-round
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on Solanaceae host plants, and the larvae feed on these toxic plants, sequestering defensive compounds. Adults are unpalatable, contributing to their aposematic coloration and involvement in mimicry rings.
Identification TipsLook for the specific arrangement of orange, black, and yellow patterns, particularly the yellow spots on the black forewing apex and the white dots along the black wing margins. Its striped black and yellow body is also a key feature, distinguishing it from similar-looking mimics.
Description
This medium-sized butterfly displays a striking orange and black pattern. Its forewings have a large central orange patch, a black apex with yellow spots, and a black outer margin with small white dots, while the hindwings are mostly orange with a black margin also featuring white dots.
