Red Flasher
Common NameRed Flasher
Scientific NameCatonephele numilia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyBiblidinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark blue, black, yellow, cream
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (from Mexico to Brazil and Argentina)
Host PlantsAlchornea
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny, often dark with lighter markings. Pupae are typically green or brown, sometimes with metallic spots.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad pale yellow or cream bands on dark wings. Males often have an iridescent blue band on the forewing, while females typically have yellow/cream bands on both wings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark blue-black wings featuring broad, pale yellow bands on both forewings and hindwings. The forewing band is diagonal, and the hindwing band is marginal.
