Pointed Sister
Common NamePointed Sister
Scientific NameAdelpha iphiclus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeMexico, Central America, and northern South America (e.g., Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil)
Host PlantsPsychotria, Miconia, Serjania
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on leaves, pupate into a chrysalis, and emerge as adults. Larvae are typically cryptic or spiny.
Identification TipsLook for the broad, diagonal white band contrasting with the dark brown wings, along with the distinctive orange patch near the forewing apex. The somewhat pointed forewing shape is also a key feature.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown to black wings, featuring a prominent diagonal white band across both forewings and hindwings. The forewings have a distinct orange patch near the apex, and a smaller orange spot is often present on the hindwing tornus.
