Orange Plane
Common NameOrange Plane
Scientific NameCatonephele numilia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyBiblidinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsblack, orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeMexico south through Central America to Brazil and Bolivia
Host PlantsAlchornea, Croton, Paullinia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the underside of host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny, often dark with lighter markings, and pupate into a camouflaged chrysalis, typically green or brown.
Identification TipsKey features include the striking contrast of large orange markings against a black background. Females, as seen here, have orange patterns, while males typically exhibit iridescent blue markings on the forewings. The specific arrangement of the orange bands and spots is diagnostic.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with velvety black wings featuring prominent, bright orange patches on both the forewings and hindwings. The forewings have a broad orange band and an apical spot, while the hindwings display a large central orange patch and smaller marginal spots.
