Swainson's Red-banded White
Common NameSwainson's Red-banded White
Scientific NamePereute swainsoni
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Primary Colorsblack, red, yellow
HabitatMontane cloud forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeAndes of South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia)
Host PlantsPhoradendron spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round, with peaks during warmer, wetter months
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are typically green and feed on mistletoe species (Loranthaceae), pupating into a chrysalis before emerging as an adult butterfly.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark wings with a prominent red patch on the hindwings and a yellow streak on the forewings. Often seen flying rapidly in montane forest clearings.
Description
A striking medium-sized butterfly with dark, almost black wings, characterized by a large, vivid red patch on the hindwings and a bright yellow streak on the forewings.
