Malea Sister
Common NameMalea Sister
Scientific NameAdelpha malea
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeMexico, Central America, South America
Host PlantsPsychotria, Miconia, Rubiaceae species
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are typically spiny and cryptic, feeding on leaves. Pupae are often green or brown, camouflaged to resemble a leaf or twig.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the broad, continuous white band across both wings and the specific shape and intensity of the orange apical patch on the forewing, which can vary slightly between subspecies.
Description
A dark brown butterfly with a prominent, broad white band extending across both forewings and hindwings, complemented by a distinct orange patch near the apex of the forewings.
