Neleus Actinote
Common NameNeleus Actinote
Scientific NameActinote neleus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patterniridescent
Primary Colorsblack, blue, red-orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral and South America (e.g., Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica)
Host PlantsMikania spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters, larvae are spiny and gregarious, feeding on Asteraceae plants, and pupate into chrysalises.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark, iridescent blue-black wings contrasting sharply with a prominent, bright red-orange abdomen.
Description
This butterfly features dark, almost black wings with iridescent blue patches, particularly on the forewings, and a striking bright red-orange abdomen.
