Superb Cycadian
Common NameSuperb Cycadian
Scientific NameEumaeus superciliosus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsblack, blue, green, yellow
HabitatTropical forests, forest edges, areas with cycad plants
Geographic RangeSouthern Mexico, Central America (Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama)
Host PlantsZamia furfuracea, Zamia integrifolia, other Zamia species
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are gregarious and feed exclusively on the new growth of cycad leaves, sequestering toxins from the plants for defense. They are often brightly colored, serving as a warning to predators.
Identification TipsRecognizable by its distinctive black wings with iridescent blue-green and yellow-green spots. Its presence is strongly associated with cycad plants, which are its exclusive host plants.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with velvety black wings covered in numerous iridescent metallic blue-green and yellow-green spots, particularly prominent on the hindwings.
