Salapia Clearwing
Common NameSalapia Clearwing
Scientific NameIthomia salapia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patterntransparent
Primary Colorstransparent, black, orange, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeMexico to Central America and northern South America (e.g., Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia)
Host PlantsCestrum spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical habitats
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on toxic Solanaceae plants, accumulating defensive compounds. The pupa is often metallic or reflective.
Identification TipsLook for the transparent wings with prominent black veins and borders, an orange band within the black border, and a row of white spots along the outer margin. The antennae have distinctive bright yellow tips.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with largely transparent wings, outlined by black veins and broad black margins. The margins feature an inner orange band and a series of small white spots along the outer edge.
