Mexican Dartwhite
Common NameMexican Dartwhite
Scientific NameCatasticta nimbice
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, cream, pale yellow
HabitatMontane forests, cloud forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeMexico (from Sonora and Nuevo León south), Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica
Host PlantsPsittacanthus spp. (mistletoes)
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, year-round in tropical areas, more common during rainy season
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are specialized feeders on mistletoe plants (Loranthaceae).
Identification TipsDistinguished by its striking dark brown and cream/pale yellow spotted pattern on both upper and undersides of the wings. The arrangement of these spots is key for identification.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown wings extensively patterned with cream to pale yellow spots and bands, particularly prominent on both forewings and hindwings.
