Tithorea tarricina explained

Tithorea tarricina, the tarricina longwing, variable presonian,[1] or cream-spotted tigerwing, is a species of butterfly belonging to the family Nymphalidae.

Description

Tithorea tarricina has a wingspan reaching about 75-, with a forewing of about . The pattern of the wings is quite variable. Usually the dorsal sides of the forewings are black with white spots, while the hindwings are orange with black margins. The underside are similar, with many small white spots along the black margins. The antennae are black. The chrysalides are completely golden.

Distribution

This rare species is present in Mexico and in Central and South America.

Habitat

Tithorea tarricina can be found at the edges of forested areas in lowlands and mountain slopes, at an elevation up to above sea level. The host plants are in the genus Prestonia (mainly P. longifolia and P. portabellensis – family Apocynaceae).

Subspecies

The following subspecies are recognised:[2]

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. Glassberg, Jeffrey. (2007). A Swift Guide to Butterflies of Mexico and Central America. Sunstreak Books Inc. p.144.
  2. http://ftp.funet.fi/pub/sci/bio/life/insecta/lepidoptera/ditrysia/papilionoidea/nymphalidae/danainae/tithorea/ "Tithorea Doubleday, [1847]"] at Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms