Menapis Tigerwing
Common NameMenapis Tigerwing
Scientific NameMechanitis menapis
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsblack, orange, yellow, white
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings, secondary growth
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (from Mexico to Bolivia and Brazil)
Host PlantsSolanum
Flight PeriodYear-round (in tropical climates)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs are laid on host plants, larvae (caterpillars) feed on leaves, pupate into a chrysalis, and emerge as adult butterflies.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive black, orange, and yellow striped pattern on somewhat translucent wings, often with white spots on the outer edges. Its slow, deliberate flight is also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with semi-transparent wings featuring bold black stripes over an orange and yellow background, and a row of white spots along the outer margins.
