Purple-washed Eyed-Metalmark
Common NamePurple-washed Eyed-Metalmark
Scientific NameRhetus arcius
FamilyRiodinidae
SubfamilyRiodininae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsbrown, blue, black, orange
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeMexico to Central America and northern South America (e.g., Brazil, Peru, Ecuador)
Host PlantsVarious broadleaf plants, Miconia species (Melastomataceae)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). Larvae are typically flattened and may have myrmecophilous associations with ants.
Identification TipsKey features include the iridescent blue hindwings contrasting with brown forewings, and the distinct blue-centered eyespot on each forewing.
Description
This metalmark butterfly has dark brown forewings with a prominent black eyespot ringed in blue and orange. The hindwings are largely iridescent bright blue, bordered by dark brown.
