Butterflies in Brazil and Argentina at Iguazu Falls during Focus On Nature Tours

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A List of selected
Butterflies
in Brazil, Argentina
& Paraguay

including the area of
Iguazu Falls

Noting those seen during
Focus On Nature Tours
in the months of July & August
with an (*)

This list of South American butterflies compiled by Armas Hill

The area of Iguazu Falls, where the countries of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet, is one of the best places in the world to see butterflies - with a large variety, and many of them in large numbers.

The two photos (above & below) were both taken during the FONT tour at Iguazu in August 2008.
The upper right photo is of a butterfly with English names of either the TURQUOISE EMPEROR or the SAPPHIRE. Its scientific name is: Doxocopa laurentia.
The photo below is of Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side. The moisture in the air near the falls is much to the liking of the butterflies.

Photos follow in this list of these butterflies: Polydamas Swallwotail, Androgeus Swallowtail, Black Swallowtail,
Southern Dogface, White-angled Sulphur, Cloudless Sulphur, Large Orange Sulphur, Two-spotted Prepona,
Turquoise Emperor, Small Beauty, Orion Cecropian, Red Rim, Red Cracker, Florida Purplewing, Ruddy Daggerwing,
Spotlight Catone, "88" Diatheria clymena, Malachite, Rusty-tipped Page, White Peacock, Bordered Patch,
Gulf Fritillary, Julia Heliconian, Erato Heliconian, Zebra Heliconian, Variegated Fritillary, Monarch, Morpho anchillides,
Magnificent Owl Butterfly

Among the Butterfly groupings in this list, links to:

Swallowtails: Family Papilionidae

Whites, Yellows, Sulphurs: Family Pieridae

Hairstreaks, Blues: Family Lycaenidae

Metalmarks: Subfamily Riodinidae

Brushfoots: Family Nymphalidae

Longwings: Subfamily Heliconiinae

Morphos: Subfamily Morphidae

Skippers: Family Hesperiidae

Codes relating to illustrations in various books:

Numbers noted as (C:xx) refer to pages in "A World of Butterflies", with text by Brian Cassie, and photographs (superb) by Kjell Sandved.

Numbers noted as (DA:xx) refer to pages in "Butterflies of South America", by Bernard D'Abrera.

Numbers noted as (DV1:xx) refer to plates in "The Butterflies of Costa Rica and their Natural History (Volume 1): Papilionidae, Pieridae, Nymphalidae", by Philip J. DeVries.

Numbers noted as (DV2:xx) refer to plates in "The Butterflies of Costa Rica and their Natural History (Volume 2): Riodinidae", by Philip J. DeVries.

Numbers noted as (F:xx) refer to pages in "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Butterflies", by Dr. John Feltwell.

Numbers noted as (K:xx) refer to pages in the "Kaufman Focus Guide to Butterflies of North America", by Jim Brock & Kenn Kaufman.

Numbers noted as (MB:xx) refer to pages in "Mariposas Bonaerenses" ("Butterflies of Buenos Aires"), in Argentina, by Gustavo Canals.

Numbers noted as (MM:xx) refer to pages in "Mariposas de Misiones" ("Butterflies of Misiones"), in Argentina, by Gustavo Canals. (This book includes butterflies at Iguazu Falls in Argentina & Brazil, one of the prime locations for observing them in South America.)

Numbers noted as (PE:xx) refer to plates in "Eastern Butterflies, the Peterson Field Guides", the 1998 edition, by Paul Opler & Vichai Malikul.

Numbers noted as (S:xx) refer to pages in the "Smithsonian Handbook, Butterflies & Moths", by David Carter.

Additional Codes:

AR: in Argentina
ba: in the province of Buenos Aires
ne: in the northeast, particularly in the province of Misiones, with Iguasu Falls

BR: in Brazil
am: in the Amazon basin
se:   in the southeast, including the Atlantic Forest and Iguazu Falls

Argentine (AR) & some Brazilian (BR) common names are in the list beneath the scientific names & those names that exist in English. English translations of the Spanish & Portuguese names are also given (or will be here later).


Links:

Itineraries for upcoming FONT Nature & Birding Tours in:

Brazil          Argentina & Chile

A List & Photo Gallery of the Birds of Brazil, in 3 parts (with some photos):
Part #1: Tinamous to Doves
Part #2: Macaws to Flycatchers
Part #3: Antshrikes to Grosbeaks

A List & Photo Gallery of the Birds of Argentina, in 2 parts (with some photos):
Part #1: Tinamous to Flycatchers
Part #2: Antshrikes to Grosbeaks

Mammals & Other Wildlife in South America (with some photos)

List of selected Butterflies:

          Family PAPILIONIDAE: SWALLOWTAILS (and allies):

          Worldwide, there are totally about 700 known species of Swallowtails.

          Genus BATTUS: the PIPE-VINE SWALLOWTAILS

Battus polydamas polydamas ______ ARne (DA:19) (DV1:1) (F:38) (K:37) (MM:140) (PE:5) (S:55) (subspecies in the mainland Americas)
Polydamas Swallowtail (also called The Gold Rim, or Black Page) (Note Polydamas was a Trojan prince.)
AR common name: Polydamas
(Range: throughout the Americas & the Antilles)

In the tropics, Battus polydamas is continuously brooded. Butterflies live about a week.

Polydamas Swallowtail

Battus polystictus polystictus ______ ARne (MM:141) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Polysticto

Battus crassus ______ (DV1:1)
(Range: Costa Rica to Brazil & Argentina)
Battus madyes ______ (DA:19)
(Range: Ecuador to Bolivia & northern Argentina)

Genus PARIDES: CATTLEHEARTS

Parides sesostris sesostris ______ (DA:27) (DV1:2) (F:70) (subspecies in Amazonas)
Emerald-patched Cattle Heart
(Range: Mexico to Bolivia, possibly north-central Argentina, in Misiones)

Parides agavus ______ ARne (DA:23) (MM:142)
Agavus Cattleheart
AR common name: Agavo
(Range: central Brazil to northeast Argentina & Paraguay)

Agavus Cattleheart

Parides bunichus perrhebus ______ ARne (MM:143)
AR common name: Viudita del Norte ("Northern Widow")

Parides anchises nephalion ______ ARne (MM:144)
AR common name: Prudente ("Prudent") (name relates to nephalios, Greek for prudent)

Parides neophilus eurybates ______ ARne (MM:145)
AR common name: Escama Roja ("Red Scale")

Parides erlaces ______ (DA:29)
(Range: Ecuador & Peru to northern Argentina)

Genus MIMOIDES (or EURYTIDES)
Mimoides lysithous rurik ______ ARne (MM:146) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Rurik (Rurik was the Scandinavian founder of the Russian Empire, who became the Prince of Novgorod in 862.)
Mimoides protodamas ______ ARne (MM:147)
AR common name: Falso Polysticto ("False Polysticto") (referring to this butterfly's similarity with Battus polystictus, commonly called Polysticto)

Genus EURYADES: species confined to middle latitudes of South America. Apparently "primitive" butterflies, closely related to the Australian CRESSIDA.
Euryades duponcheli ______ (DA:32)
(Range: southern Brazil to northern Argentina, Paraguay, & Uruguay)

Genus EURYTIDES: the KITE SWALLOWTAILS:
About 50 species confined to the New World. Some mimic PARIDES and HELICONIUS butterflies. Others have long tails, hence the name "Kite Swallowtails". Fast-fliers. Engage in mud-puddling.
Eurytides stenodesmus ______ ARne (MM:148)
AR common name: Espadachin Comun ("Common Swordsman")
BR common names: Veleiro, Argonauta, Pandorga
Eurytides protesilaus nigricornis ______ ARne (DV1:3) (MM:149) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Espadachin ("Swordsman")
BR common names: Veleiro, Argonauta, Pandorga
(Range: Mexico to Paraguay & northern Argentina)
Eurytides helios ______ ARne (MM:150)
AR common name: Helios (Helios, in Greek mythology, was the god of the sun.)

Genus: PAPILIO (or HERACLIDES): the FLUTED SWALLOWTAILS: one of the most widespread of genera, with over 200 species. Most are tropical. Most have tails. Many are migratory.

Papilio (or Heraclides) thoas nealces ______ (C:295) (DV1:4) (K:38 text) (PE:6) (subspecies from Nicaragua to Brazil)
Papilio thoas brasiliensis ______ ARne (DA:34) (MM:151) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Thoas Swallowtail
AR common name: Toas Grande (Toas in mythology was a Trojan hero.)
(Range: southern US thru Central & South America, also: Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad)

A Thoas Swallowtail photographed during a FONT tour in Brazil

Papilio (or Heraclides) astyalus ______ ARne (C:299) (DV1:4) (F:54) (K:43) (MM:152) (PE:6)
Broad-banded Swallowtail (also called Astyalus, or Lycophron Swallowtail)
AR common name: Astyalos (Astyalos in mythology was the name of a Trojan.)
BR common names: Male: Pequeno Caixao de Deunto Female: Viuva
(Range: southern US to Argentina)

Papilio astyalus is found in areas forested with tropical hardwoods. Like many Papilio, the caterpillars breed on citrus.

Papilio (or Heraclides) androgeus ______ ARne (DA:33) (DV1:4) (F:52) (K:41) (MM:153) (PE:6)
Androgeus Swallowtail (or Queen Page)
AR common name: Androgeo
(Range: Mexico to Argentina, also in the West Indies)

The female of Papilio androgeus tends to be reclusive, not often seen. The male is much of the time in the forest canopy, occasionally coming down to mud-puddle.

Androgeus Swallowtail

Papilo (or Heraclides) hectorides ______ ARne (MM:154)
AR common name: Hector (Hector, in mythology, was a Trojan hero.)
BR common name of the dark female: Viuvinha

Papilio polyxenes ______ BR (C:203) (DV1:4) (K:29) (PE:5) (F:65)
Black Swallowtail
(Canada thru Central & South America)
(Can defoliate vegetables such as carrot, celery and parsnip, hence a name of "Parsnip Swallowtail".)

Black Swallowtail
(photo by Howard Eskin)

Papilio (or Heraclides) torquatus polybius ______ ARne (DA:35) (DV1:4) (MM:155) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Band-gapped Swallowtail
AR common name: Polibio (Polibio, who lived from 206-122 B.C., was a Greek historian and politician.)
(Range: Mexico to Bolivia, Paraguay, & northeast Argentina)

The female of Papilio torquatus is polymorphic, with the white spot on the forewing & the shape and color of the pink patch on the hindwing variable.

Papilio (or Heraclides) cleotas cleotas ______ (DA:37) (DV1:5)
(Costa Rica to Brazil, Paraguay, & northeast Argentina)

Papilio (or Heraclides) anchisiades ______ (DV1:6) (F:52) (K:43) (MM:156) (PE:5) (S:48)
Ruby-spotted (or Red-spotted) Swallowtail (other names are Anchisiades Swallowtail and Mourning Rose)
AR common name: Mancha Rubi ("Ruby-spotted")
(Range: Texas to Argentina)

The Ruby-spotted Swallowtail is often found at citrus trees.

Family PIERIDAE: most are predominantly white, yellow, or orange in color, and are often referred to as WHITES, YELLOWS, SULPHURS, or MARBLES
Worldwide, approximately 1,000 species of WHITES & SULPHURS have been described.

Group of Pieridae during a FONT Brazil Tour
in Mato Grosso do Sul
(photo by Marie Gardner)

Genus PSEUDOPIERIS: 2 species which can favor mountainous habitats, especially in Peru and Ecuador on the western slopes of the Andes.

Pseudopieris nehemia negemia ______ ARne (DA:53) (DV1:6) (MM:163) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Clean Mimic-White
AR common name: Nehemias (Nehemias was a Jewish leader who lived in the 5th Century B.C. He had an honorary position in the Persian king's court Artajerjes. In 444 B.C,, he was designated Judah's governor and was authorized to reconstruct Jerusalem.)
BR common name: Floco de Neve ("Snowflake")
(Range: Mexico to southern Brazil)

Subfamily DISMORPHIINAE: MIMIC WHITES

A long-winged, tropical group.

Genus DISMORPHIA: With about 40 species that are remarkable mimics of various distasteful butterflies. The patterning is variable. Sexual dimorphism is marked in the species in this genus.
Dismorphia crisia ______ (DV1:6)
Cloud-forest Mimic-White
(Range: southern Mexico to Brazil)

Dismorphia theucharila ______ (C:363) (DV1:7)
Pierid Mimic (this species looks like an ithomiine clearwing - D1:35)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Dismorphia thermesia thermesia ______ ARne (MM:161) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Bonita Perlada ("Pearled Pretty")

The coloring on the ventral surface and the stylized outline of Dismorphia thermesia are unusual in this family.

Dismorphia astyocha ______ ARne (MM:162)
AR common name: Bonita ("Pretty")

The bright coloring and the stylized outline of Dismorphia astyocha are uncommon in its family.
Dismorphia melia ______ (DA:52)
(Range: southern Brazil)

Dismorphia melia is a mimic of the two ACRAEID species Actinote thalia & Actinote parapheles, to which it bears a very strong resemblance.

Genus ENANTIA: closely related to DISMORPHIA, but not as strongly sexually dimorphic. Sun-and-flower loving species, often encountered in numbers on flowers, usually at the end of the rainy season.

Enantia licinia ______ (DV1:7)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Enantia melite ______ (DA:53) (DV1:7)
(Range: Mexico to Uruguay)

Enantia melite is a most variable butterfly.

Enantia lina psamathe ______ ARne (MM:159)
White Mimic-White
AR common name: Bonita Blanca ("White Pretty")

Enantia clarissa ______ ARne (MM:160)
AR common name: Clarisa

Enantia limnorina ______ (DA:52)
(Range: southern Brazil)

Genus HESPEROCHARIS
Hesperocharis hirlanda fulvinota ______ (DA:55) (subspecies in southern Brazil)
(Range: Colombia to the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil)

Genus ARCHONIAS: 3 species. A most interesting genus of PIERIDS. Considered to be involved in mimetic associations with PAPILIONID and HELICONID butterflies and with one species of ARCTIID day-flying moth.

Comparatively slow-flying, with a fondness for settling on leaves in the sunshine or visiting flowering shrubs, where they spend substantial time & effort on one or two blooms.
Archonias tereas archidona ______ (DA:63) (DV1:7) (F:82) (subspecies in Ecuador - this race thought to resemble a day-flying ARCTIID moth)
(Range: Mexico to southern Brazil)

Archonias tereas looks like a mimic of a female Parides swallowtail. It lives in open parts of rainforests.
Archonias bellona ______ (DA:63)
(Range: Colombia to the Guianas, also to Bolivia & northern Argentina)

Archonias bellona shows a resemblance to HELICONID species.

Genus PEREUTE: 8 species of the most subtly beautiful PIERIDS from any region of the world, with the outstanding colors being the soft rose-pinks, blue-grays, and cadmium yellow streaks and patches. They can be remindful of the Indo-Australian DELIAS group (the JEZEBELS) in their appearance and behavior.
Pereute swainsoni ______ ARne (MM:164)
AR common name: Embustera ("Lying") (so-called because its dark coloration is uncommon in the PIERIDAE family; this butterfly is more like a NYMPHALIDAE)

Genus GLUTOPHRISSA: 2 species said, for structural reasons, to be distinct from the Oriental APPIAS (the GULLS) .

Glutophrissa (or Appias) drusilla drusilla ______ ARne (DA:67) (DV1:12) (K:53) (MM:167) (PE:7) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Tropical White (another names is Florida White)
AR common name: Lechera Grande ("Big Milky")
(Range: southern US, Central & South America, also West Indies)

Genus LEPTOPHOBIA: 15-16 species whose general characteristic is the silvery-white color of the hindwing underside. Found from moderate to high elevations (to 9,000 ft. or 3,000 meters).
Leptophobia aripa balidia ______ ARne (DV1:12) (MM:165) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Common Green-eyed White
AR common name: Blanquita ("Little White")
(Range: Mexico to Brazil & northern Argentina)

Genus MELETE
Melete lycimnia paulista ______ ARne (MM:166) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Common Melwhite
AR common name: Manteca ("Butter") (referring to the coloring on the ventral hindwing)

Genus PIERIBALLIA
Pieriballia viardi molione ______ ARne (MM:169) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Painted White
AR common name: Sayju Manchada ("Spotted Sayju") (Sayju is a Guarani word meaning "pale, yellowish".)

Genus ITABALLIA

Itaballia demophile ______ (DV1:12)
Cross-barred White
(Range: Mexico to Paraguay)

Genus DAPTONEURA: about 10 species of brightly-colored and strong-flying PIERIDS, given to extraordinary seasonal and local variation, thus making it difficult to determine precisely what are good species or races or even aberrations.
Daptoneura lycimnia pantoporia ______ (DA:75) (subspecies in southern Brazil & Paraguay)
(Colombia, Venezuela, & the Guianas to Paraguay; also Trinidad)

Genus ASCIA: 8 species of large plain white butterflies with some brown or gray markings especially in the females.

Ascia josephina josepha ______ (DV1:12)
(Central & South America, also the Antilles)

Ascia monuste orseis ______ ARne (DV1:12) (K:53) (MM:168) (PE:8) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Great Southern White
AR common name: Sayju (Sayju is a Guarani word meaning "pale, yellowish".)
BR common name: Borboleta da Couvre
(Range: southern US, Central & South America, also the Antilles)

The migrating females of Ascia monuste are almost totally gray in color, while non-migratory females are largely yellowish-white with dark brown margins.
Ascia buniae phaloe ______ (DA:68) (subspecies in northeast Brazil & northeast Argentina; southern Brazilian forms have strong markings)
(Range: Brazil to the Guianas, also Peru & Paraguay)

Subfamily COLIADINAE: SULPHURS
300 species worldwide

Genus COLIAS: SULPHURS: This genus in South America tends to occupy temperate and/or high altitude habitats. Essentially, this genus, of 10 species, is Holarctic (North American/Eurasian).

Colias (or Zerene) cesonia ______ BR (C:249) (DV1:8) (F:109) (K:69) (PE:10)
Southern Dogface
(Range: Mexico to Argentina)

Colias cesonia is common, particularly so where there is cattle ranching. The leguminous plants on which it breeds are used for cattle.

Southern Dogface, photographed during a FONT tour
(photo by Doris Potter)
Colias lesbia lesbia ______ ARne BR (DA:56) (MM:170)
Lucen's Butterfly
AR common name: Isoca de la Alfalfa
BR common names: Borboletinha de Alfafa and Borboletinha Alaranjada
(Range: Bolivia to Tierra del Fuego)

Genus ANTEOS: ANGLED SULPHURS
(usually found flying high over the canopy or along rivers)

Anteos clorinde ______ ARne (DV1:8) (F:78) (K:77) (MM:171) (PE:10) (S:71)
White-angled Sulphur (or the Clorinde) (another name is Ghost Brimstone)
AR common name: Anteo (Anteo, in Greek mythology, was a giant.)
(Range: Mexico to Paraguay & northeast Argentina)

White-angled Sulphur
(photo by Doug Johnson)

Genus PHOEBIS: GIANT SULPHURS: the most conspicuous tropical sulphurs, common, and found in open areas & forest edges, adult males cluster on moist sand along rivers & streams

Phoebis philea philea ______ ARne (DA:58) (DV1:8) (F:105) (K:75) (MM:173) (PE:10) (S:70)
Orange-barred Sulphur (other names are: Yellow Apricot and Morning)
AR common name: Mananita (referring to the color of the wings, the same as that of a clear sky at daybreak)
(Range: southern United States to southern Brazil & ne Argentina)

In addition to visiting flowers, males of Phoebis philea visit wet sand and mud, probably to obtain sodium. This general habit of many PIERIDS has been known since Henry Walter Bates was on the Amazon.

Phoebis sennae marcellina ______ ARne (C:247) (DA:57) (DV1:9) (F:105) (K:75) (MM:172) (PE:10) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Cloudless Sulphur
AR common name: Febo
BR common name: Casca da Limao
(Range: southern US to Argentina, also in Antilles)

Phoebis sennae can be abundant in both lowlands & highlands. It prospers in open land.

Cloudless Sulphur

Phoebis neocypris neocypris ______ ARne (MM:175)
Tailed Sulphur
AR common name: Ciprina (one of the names of the goddess Venus)

Phoebis argante argante ______ ARne (DV1:9) (F:104) (MM:174)
Argante Giant Sulphur (or Argante)
AR common name: Yema (meaning the yolk of an egg)
BR common name: Gema de Ovo (also meaning yolk)
(Range: Mexico to Argentina) (there's another subspecies in the West Indies)

Phoebis agarithe ______ (DV1:9) (F:104) (K:75) (PE:10)
Large Orange Sulphur
(Range: southern US to Brazil)

A female Large Orange Sulphur

Genus APHRISSA (or PHOEBIS)
Aphrissa statira statira ______ ARne (DV1:9) (F:80) (MM:177) (PE:10)
Statira Sulphur (other names are Yellow Migrant and Migrant Sulphur)
AR name: Manifestante (referring to their habit of meeting in assemblies, as do demonstrators)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil; there are several other subspecies in the West Indies)

Genus RHABDODRYAS (or PHOEBIS)
Rhabdodryas (or Phoebis) trite banksi ______ ARne (DV1:8) (MM:176) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Straight-lined Sulphur
AR common name: Hoja Amarilla ("Yellow Leaf") (referring to the coloration & pattern on the ventral side, similar to a leaf)
(Range: Mexico to Argentina; also in the West Indies)

When Rhabdodryas trite rests with its wings folded, it blends into the vegetation background and becomes invisible to predators.

Genus EUREMA: SMALL YELLOWS

Eurema proterpia ______ (DA:61) (DV1:10) (F:97) (K:69) (PE:11)
Tailed Orange (or Little Jaune)
(Range: southern US, thru Central & South America, also the Antilles)

There are seasonally different forms of Eurema proterpia of both sexes: wet season & dry season forms.

Eurema mexicana ______ (DV1:10) (F:97) (K:73) (PE:11)
Mexican Yellow
(Range: southern US, thru Central & South America)

Eurema albula sinoe ______ ARne (DV1:10) (MM:179) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Ghost Yellow
AR common name: Alba ("White")
(Range: Mexico to Brazil & ne Argentina, also West Indies)

Eurema deva deva ______ ARne (MM:180) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Limoncito ("Small Lemon")
BR common name: Canarinho ("Small Canary")

Eurema nise tenella ______ ARne (DV1:10) (K:71) (MM:182) (PE:11) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Mimosa Yellow (also called Jamaican Sulphur)
AR common name: Limoncito del Nordeste ("Northeastern Small Lemon")
(Range: southern US to Argentina, also West Indies)

Eurema daira daira ______ (DA:60) (DV1:10) (F:96) (K:71) (PE:11) (subspecies in the mainland of the Americas)
Barred Yellow (also called Barred Sulphur)
(Range; southern US to Uruguay, also West Indies)

Eurema daira is subject to seasonal dimorphism in both sexes.

Eurema elathea ______ ARne (DV1:10) (MM:178) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Limoncito Adornado ("Small Decorated Lemon")
(Range: Nicaragua to Brazil & northeast Argentina, also West Indies)
Eurema (or Pyrisitia) leuce leuce ______ (DA:59) (MM:181)
AR common names: Limoncito Manchado ("Spotted Small Lemon") and Limoncito Dos Puntos ("Two-spotted Small Lemon")
(Range: Panama to Argentina; also the West Indies)
Eurema phiale phiale ______ (DA:60)
(Range: east to southeast Brazil; Colombia, Bolivia)

Eurema phiale is subject to seasonal dimorphism.

Family LYCAENIDAE (GOSSAMER WINGS), including: HAIRSTREAKS, BLUES

Throughout the world but mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. The sexes often differ in coloration, and the undersides usually differ from the upper surfaces.
Among several distinct groups are the HAIRSTREAKS, with tails and bright eyespot markings on the hindwings, creating a "false head" at the rear, to divert attackers.
Thus far, worldwide, about 5,000 species in this family have been discovered and named. Caterpillars of many of these species are closely associated with ants.

Genus ALLOMAITIA

Allomaitia strophius (formerly A. pion) ______ (PE:text)
Strophius Hairstreak
(Range: Mexico to southern Brazil)

Genus REKOA: A small genus of blue butterflies in Central & South America.

Rekoa marius ______ (PE:text)
Marius Hairstreak
(Range: Mexico to southern Brazil)

Rekoa palegon ______ ARne (MM:191) (PE:text)
Gold-bordered Hairstreak (other names have been: Palegon Hairstreak or Curved Band Blue)
AR common name: Azul Banda Curva ("Curve-banded Blue")
(Range: Mexico to Argentina)
Rekoa malina ______ ARne (MM:192)
AR common name: Azul Banda Recta ("Straight-banded Blue")
Rekoa stagira ______ ARne (MM:193)
AR common name: Aristolteles ("Aristotle") (re the scientific name: Stagira is the city where Aristotle was born.)

Genus CHLOROSTRYMON

Chlorostrymon telea ______ (PE:text)
Telea Hairstreak
(Range: Mexico to southern Brazil)

Chlorostrymon simaethis sarita ______ ARne (K:117) (MM:202) (PE:13) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Silver-banded Hairstreak (or Simaethis Hairstreak)
AR common name: Banda de Plata (referring to the silver band on the ventral surface)
(Range: southern US to Argentina, also in the West Indies)

Genus OCARIA

Ocaria ocrisia ______ ARne (MM:199) (PE:text)
Black Hairstreak (or Ocrisia) (re the name: Ocrisia was a noble Roman, Servio Tulio's mother, the 6th Roman emperor.)
(Range: Mexico to Argentina)

Genus CYANOPHRYS: TROPICAL GREEN HAIRSTREAKS

Cyanophrys acaste ______ ARne (MM:194)
AR common name: Acasto (In Greek mythology, Acasto was the son of Pelias.)

Cyanophrys herodotus ______ ARne (K:117) (MM:195) (PE:13)
Tropical Greenstreak (or Tropical Green Hairstreak)
AR common name: Herodoto (referring to Herodoto, a Greek historian in the 5th Century BC)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil & northeast Argentina)
Cyanophrys remus ______ ARne (MM:196)
Remo (or Double-lined Emerald)

Genus EVENUS

Evenus (formerly incorrectly in Thecla) coronata ______ (S:88)
Hewitson's Blue Hairstreak

Genus PARRHASIUS

Parrhasius orgia orgia ______ ARne (MM:197) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Orgia

Parrhasius m-album ______ (K:93) (PE:15) (S:92)
White M Hairstreak

There are closely related butterflies to Parrhasius m-album in mountains of Central & South America.

Genus OENOMAUS: Hairstreaks of North & South America, relatively large and with iridescent colors. Live in lightly wooded areas.

Oenomaus ortygnus ______ (PE:text)
Aquamarine Hairstreak
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)
Oenomaus rustan ______ (F:260)
(Range: Honduras to Brazil)

Genus TMOLUS: Dimorphic tailed hairstreaks with dark uppers and light undersides.

Tmolus echion ______ ARne (F:278) (K: 119) (MM:206) (PE:13)
Red-spotted Hairstreak (other names: Echion Hairstreak, Four-spotted Hairstreak)
AR common name: Tmolos (Larger Lantana Butterfly) (In mythology, Tmolos was the father of Tantalo.)
(Mexico to Brazil & northeast Argentina)

Genus MINISTRYMON: Hairstreaks of North & South America that have adaptations for living in deserts. Breed on mesquites, spiny trees, and shrubs of the Proposis genus, which grow in deserts, especially by watercourses. The colors of the butterflies are blue, gray, and black.

Ministrymon azia ______ (K:119) (PE:13)
Gray Ministreak (or Azia Hairstreak)
(Range: south Texas to southern Brazil, also West Indies)
Ministrymon una ______ ARne (MM:204)
AR common name: Frotadora Palida ("Pale Rubber")

Genus SIDERUS

Siderus tephraeus ______ (PE:text)
Pearly-gray Hairstreak
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Genus ELECTROSTRYMON
Electrostrymon endymion ______ ARne (MM:201)
Endymion Hairstreak (re the name: Endymion in Greek mythology was a shepherd who lulled in perpetual sleep.)

Genus STRYMON: SCRUB HAIRSTREAKS: In both North & South America. Butterflies exhibit seasonal variation.

Strymon melinus ______ (C:181) (F:274) (K: 93) (PE:15) (S:90)
Gray Hairstreak

The Gray Hairstreak is widely distributed, southern Canada to South America, living in many different types of open habitat. It has been recorded breeding on over 50 species of plants.

Strymon rufofusca ______ (K:123) (PE:15)
Red-crescent Scrub-Hairstreak (or Reddish Hairstreak)
(Range: south Texas to Argentina, also Grenada)

Strymon yojoa ______ (K:123) (PE:15)
Yojoa (Scrub-)Hairstreak
(Range: Mexico to southern Brazil)

Strymon istapa (or columella) ______ (K:121) (PE:14)
Mallow (Scrub-)Hairstreak
(Range: southern US to South America)

Strymon bazochii ______ ARne (K:123) (MM:207) (PE:15)
Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak (or Bazochii Hairstreak)
AR common name: Azul del Camara ("Smaller Lantana Butterfly") (refers to one of the host plants, Lantana camara)
(Range: south Texas to Paraguay & ne Argentina, also in the Greater Antilles)
Strymon mulucha ______ ARne (MM:208)
AR common name: Frotadora Linea Blanca ("White Line Rubber") (refers to the white hyphen on the forewings below)
Strymon astiocha ______ ARne (MM:209)
AR common name: Astiocha
Strymon eurytulus ______ ARne (MM:210)
AR common name: Frotadora ("Rubber") (refers to a peculiar behavior as this butterfly drinks)
Strymon megarus ______ ARne (MM:211)
AR common name: Taladro de la Pina ("Pineapple Drill") (refers to the host plant)

Subfamily POLYOMMATINAE: BLUES

Very small butterflies, mostly blue above. Females of many are browner.

Leptotes cassius ______ ARne (K:127) (MM:215) (PE:16) (S:99)
Cassius Blue
AR common name: Azul Litacea
(Range: southern US to South America, also in the West Indies)

The males of Leptotes cassius are a light lilac-blue, the females are mainly white.

Genus ZIZULA: A genus of Blues

Zizula cyna ______ ARne (F:279) (K:127) (MM:213) (PE:15)
Cyna Blue
AR common name: Miri (a Guarani word meaning "small")
(Range: south Texas to Argentina)

Zizula cyna occurs in deserts and scrubby areas. It is one of the smallest butterflies. It sways from side to side when perched.

Genus HEMIARGUS: Commonly called "eyed blues", these butterflies occur in both North & South America. The common name is from 2 or 3 eye-spots on the undersides of the hindwings. They breed on a wide variety of members of the pea family, Leguminosae.

Hemiargus ceraunus ______ (K:129) (PE:15)
Ceraunus Blue
(Range: southern US to South America, also in the West Indies)
Hemiargus hanno ______ ARne (MM:214)
AR common name: Miri Manchada ("Spotted Miri") (the spots are on the hind wings below)

Genus CELASTRINA: AZURES

Subfamily RIODINIDAE: METALMARKS: named for the gold, silver, or copper-colored metallic scales on the wings of many of the species
About 1,300 species are known, found mainly in the American tropics. A few in North America extend south into Mexico.
Habitually, these butterflies land on the undersides of foliage, with their wings spread wide open.

Genus EUSELASIA: A large group of over 100 species of metalmarks in Central and South America. They often sexually dimorphic, and often have a pattern of lines and waves on their undersides.

Euselasia hygenius occulta ______ ARne (MM:216) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Simuladora ("Pretender") (name refers to similarity with some SATYRINAE)

Euselasia utica ______ ARne (MM:217)
AR common name: Nemi Naranja ("Orange Nemi") (Nemi is a Guarani word meaning hidden. The butterfly rests on the underside of leaves, with wings folded.)

Euselasia eugeon ______ ARne (MM:218)
AR common name: Patas Amarillas ("Yellow Legs")

Genus PEROPTHALMA

Peropthalma tullius ______ (DV2:3)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Genus MESOSEMIA: More than 60 species in mostly South America, characterized by quite prominent eye-spots on the forewing, giving a face-like appearance. Unusual for butterflies, they tend to hop through vegetation rather than fly.

Mesosemia odice ______ ARne (MM:219)
AR common name: Ojitos ("Little Eyes")

Genus NAPAEA

Napaea eucharila ______ (DV2:5)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Napaea umbra ______ (DV2:5)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Genus EURYBIA: dark-colored Neotropical metalmarks with a conspicuous eye-spot on the forewing.

Eurybia unxia ______ (DV2:6)
(Range: Costa Rica to Bolivia & Brazil)

Eurybia elvina ______ (DV2:6)
Blind Sheenmark
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Eurybia tephrias ______ ARne (MM:221)
AR common name: Goteada ("Dripped") (the name refers to the butterfly's white spots)

Genus CHORINEA

Chorinea octauius ______ (DV2:7)
(Guatemala to Brazil)

Chorinea heliconides ______ ARne (MM:224)
AR common name: Puntilla Negra ("Black Lace")

Genus CREMNA

Cremna thasus ______ (DV2:7)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Genus NOTHEME

Notheme erota angelius ______ ARne (DV:2:7) (MM:225) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Redondita ("Small Round") (refers to the peculiar posture when at rest)
(Range: Mexico to Argentina)

Genus ANCYLURIS: Mostly South American, up to 20 species.
Many are black with contrasting red or white bands on the upperwings.

Ancyluris tedea ______ ARne (MM:222)
AR common name: Cinta Roja ("Red Ribbon")

In the book "Butterflies of Misiones", in 2003: there was the first mention of Ancylurus tedcea in Argentina.

Genus RHETUS: 4 mostly South American species with long hindwings.

Rhetus dysonii ______ (DV2:8)
(Range: Costa Rica to Brazil)

Rhetus arcius ______ (DV2:8) (F:268)
Sword-tailed Beautymark
(Range: Mexico to Bolivia & Brazil)

Rhetus periander eleusinus ______ ARne (DV2:8) (MM:223) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Variable Beautymark
AR common name: Eleusinian (re the name: Eleusinian inhabited Eleusis, an Attica port nw of Athens)
(Range: Mexico to Argentina)

Genus SYRMATIA: Mostly South American metalmarks, having an unmistakable shape with incredibly long, drawn-out hindwings.

Syrmatia nyx ______ (DV2:9)
(Range: Costa Rica to Brazil, also Trinidad)

Syrmatia aethiops ______ (DV2:9)
(Range: Costa Rica to Brazil)

Genus ISAPIS

Isapis agyrtus ______ (DV2:9)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Genus MELANIS : called "Mulattos" in Argentina
Melanis pixe ______ (C:327) (DV2:9) (K:151) (PE:17)
Red-bordered Pixie (or Pixie)
(Range: Texas, in the lower Rio Grande valley, to Brazil)

Melanis xenia ______ ARne (MM:234)
AR common name: Mulata Dentada ("Toothed Mulatto") ("toothed" refers to the irregular bands on the dorsal surface)

Melanis smithiae ______ ARne (MM:235)
AR common name: Mulata Puntas Naranja ("Orange-tipped Mulatto")

Melanis aegates cretiplaga ______ ARne (MM:236)
AR common name: Mulata Mancha Blanca ("White-spotted Mulatto")

Genus CARIA

Caria castalia marsyas ______ ARne (MM:232) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Brillantina ("Brilliantine") (referring to its brilliant green coloration)

Caria plutargus ______ ARne (MM:233)
AR common name: Brillantina y Naranja ("Brilliantine and Orange") (with orange spots)

Genus PARCELLA

Parcella amarynthina ______ (DV2:10) (MM:226)
AR common name: Falsa Redondita ("False Small Round", refers to its similarity with Notheme erota angellus)
(Range: Costa Rica to Argentina)

Genus CHARIS

Charis auius ______ (DV2:11)
(Range: Costa Rica to Brazil)

Charis gynaea ______ (DV2:11)
(Range: Costa Rica to Brazil)

Genus CALEPHELIS: SCINTILLANT METALMARKS: only in the Americas, mostly in the tropics, many species bewilderingly similar

Calephelis nilius ______ ARne (MM:227)
AR common name: Lineas Celestes ("Sky-blue Lines")

Genus ARGYROGRAMMANA

Argyrogrammana venilia ______ (DV2:13)
(Range: Costa Rica to Brazil)

Genus MESENE: mostly South American, about 20 species.

Mesene phareus ______ (DV2:13) (F:255) (S:102)
Cramer's Mesene
(Range: Mexico to Peru & Brazil)

Mesene phareus is strikingly beautiful, the male a deep red with black borders, the female a lighter color and larger.
Mesene monostigma ______ ARne (MM:250)
AR common name: Diminuta Manchada ("Spotted Tiny")
Mesene pyrippe sanguilenta ______ ARne (MM:251) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Diminuta Naranja y Parda ("Orange and Brown Tiny")
Mesene epaphus ______ ARne (MM:252)
AR common name: Diminuta Narania ("Orange Tiny")
Mesene simplex celetes ______ ARne (MM:253) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Diminuta Amarilla ("Yellow Tiny")

Genus SYMMACHIA

Symmachia accusatrix ______ (DV2:14)
Feathered Fiestamark
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Symmachia probetor ______ (DV2:14)
Red-lead Fiestamark
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Symmachia menetas menetas ______ ARne (MM:249) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Simaquia Meridional ("Southern Simaquia") ("Simaquia" refers to the name of the genus)

In the book, "Butterflies of Missiones", 2003: the first sighting of Symmachia menetas is noted in Argentina.

Genus STICHELIA

Stichelia sagaris ______ (DV2:14)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil, also Trinidad)

Genus SAROTA

Sarota myrtea ______ (DV2:15)
White-cheeked Jewelmark
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Sarota psaros ______ (DV2:15)
Pearly Jewelmark
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Sarota gyas ______ (DV2:15)
(Range: Honduras to Brazil)

Genus CHALODETA

Chalodeta lypera ______ (DV2:15)
(Range: Guatemala to Brazil)

Chalodeta chaonitis ______ (DV2:15)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil, also Trinidad)

Chalodeta theodora theodora ______ ARne (MM:231) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Lineas Brilliantes ("Shiny Lines")

Genus LASAIA

Lasaia oileus ______ (DV2:16)
(Range: Honduras to Peru & Brazil)

Lasaia agesilas esmeralda ______ ARne (MM:229) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Hovy (the name is a Guarani word meaning "blue", referring to the coloring of the male)

Lasaia arsis ______ ARne (MM:230)
AR common name: Hovy Salpicada ("Splashy Hovy") (Hovy, as noted above, is a Guarani word meaning "blue".)

Genus CALYDNA

Calydna sturnula ______ (DV2:16)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Genus EMESIS: a complicated genus of METALMARKS, also known as TANMARKS, that need further work
Emesis tenedia ______ (DV2:17) (K:151) (PE:text)
Falcate Metalmark (or Falcate Emesia)
(Range: south Texas to Brazil)

Emesis ocypore zelotes ______ (DV2:16) (MM:239) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Dark Tanmark
AR common name: Acrobata Morena ("Dark Acrobat")
(Range: Mexico to northern Argentina)
Emesis lucinda ______ (DV2:17)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Emesis mandana ______ (DV2:17)
Great Tanmark
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Emesis cypria ______ (DV2:17)
Orange-striped Tanmark
(Range: Mexico to Bolivia)

Emesis diogenia ______ ARne (MM:237)
AR common name: Diogenia (Diogenia, in mythology, was Celeo's daughter.)

Emesis russula ______ ARne (MM:238)
AR common name: Acrobata Rojiza ("Reddish Acrobat")

Emesis neemias ______ ARne (MM:240)
AR common name: Acrobata Brillantina ("Brilliantine Acrobat")

Genus THISBE

Thisbe irenea ______ (DV2:18)
Sailor's Lemmark
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Genus JUDITHA

Juditha molpe ______ (DV2:18)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Genus CATOCYCLOTIS

Catocyclotis aemulius ______ (DV2:18)
(Range: Costa Rica to Brazil)

Genus SYNARGIS: Tailless mostly South American LYCAENIDS, often with an interesting black and white coloration.

Synargis calyce brennus ______ ARne (MM:241) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Nemi (Nemi is a Guarani word meaning "hidden")

Synargis victrix ______ ARne (MM:242)
AR common name: Nemi Demarcada ("Demarcated Nemi")

Genus AUDRE

Audre gauchoana ______ ARne (MM:244)
AR common name: Colage Parda ("Brown Patchwork")

Audre notialis ______ ARne (MM:245)
AR common name: Colage Irregular ("Irregular Patchwork")

Audre chilensis ______ ARne (MM:246)
AR common name: Colage Meridional ("Southern Patchwork")

Genus MENANDER

Menander menander ______ (DV2:20)
Shining-blue Grayler
(Range: Costa Rica to Brazil)

Menander pretus ______ (DV2:20)
Greenish Grayler
(Range: Guatemala to Brazil)

Genus PERIPLACIS: Mostly South American LYCAENIDS with strongly angled wings, and with brown and blue coloration.

Periplacis glaucoma splendida ______ (DV2:20) (F:262)
(Range: Costa Rica to Brazil)

Genus CALOSPILA

Calospila lucianus ______ (DV2:21)
(Range: Costa Rica to Brazil, also Trinidad)

Genus SETABIS

Setabis lagus ______ (DV2:22)
(Range: Honduras to Brazil)

Genus NYMPHIDIUM

Nymphidium mantus ______ (C:357) (DV2:22)
Blue Nymphidium
(Range: Costa Rica to Brazil, also Trinidad)

Nymphidium azanoides ______ (DV2:22)
(Range: Costa Rica & Panama, Ecuador & Brazil)

Nymphidium ascolia ______ (DV2:22)
(Range: Guatemala to Bolivia & Brazil)

Genus THEOPE

Theope pedias ______ (DV2:24)
Extroverted Theope
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Theope lycaenina ______ (DV2:25)
(Range: Costa Rica to eastern Brazil)

Family NYMPHALIDAE: BRUSHFOOTS
Cosmopolitan, with subfamilies range from 8 to 25, depending upon taxonomic treatment.
This is the most diverse family of butterflies, with approximately 6,000 known species worldwide. Brushfoot butterflies appear 4 rather than 6-legged as their 2 front legs are much reduced.

Genus PREPONA

Prepona meander ______ (S:119)
Banded King Shoemaker

In flight, Prepona meander makes a crackling sound.

Prepona pylene pylene ______ ARne (MM:259)
Mottled Prepona (or Pylene)

Genus SIDERONE

Siderone marthesis ______ (DV1:13)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Genus ARCHAEOPREPONA

Archaeoprepona demophon ______ ARne (C:347) (DV1:14) (MM:256) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
One-spotted Prepona (or Demofonte) (re the name: Demofonte was a fortune-teller consulted by Alexander the Great.)
(Range: Mexico to northern Argentina)
Archaeoprepona demophoon demophoon ______ ARne (MM:257) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Two-spotted Prepona (or Demophoon) (re the name: Demophoon, in mythology, was Teseo's son.) (another name is Silver King Shoemaker)
AR common name: Demophoon
(Range: southern Mexico to northern Argentina)

Archaeoprepona demophoon lives in the canopy of the rainforest. It is probably one of the fastest-flying butterflies in its range (the American tropics). It is said to have a smell like vanilla (maybe from its food source).

A photographer's account: "I have observed and photographed it, but always from a great distance, and always as a solitary butterfly, sitting with its wings open in the sun, like a drop of metallic blue paint on the green foliage high in the trees."

Two-spotted Prepona (or Demophoon) (also called Silver King Shoemaker)
(photo courtesy of Junji Nakamura who sent us this picture of a butterfly that had been her mother's since the 1950s)

Archaeoprepona chalciope ______ ARne (MM:258)
AR common name: Calciope

Genus HYPNA

Hypna clytemnestra huebneri ______ ARne (DV1:15) (MM:260) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Jazzy Leafwing
AR common name: Clitemnestra (re the name: Clitemnestra was Agamenon's wife.)
(Range: Mexico to Amazon Basin)

Genus CONSUL

Consul fabius drurii ______ ARne (DV1:15) (MM:261) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Tiger Leafwing
AR common name: Mbopi (this name is Guarani word meaning "bat", referring to its peculiar shape when flying near the tops of trees)
(Range: Mexico to Amazon Basin)

Subfamily CHARAXINAE: LEAF BUTTERFLIES

Genus MEMPHIS: About 100 species, which occur in Central America. They resemble the genus ANAEA, to which they are closely related.
With crytic undersides that are leaf-like. They reside in the forest, and are powerful fliers.
Memphis xenocles ______ (DV1:17)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)
Memphis morvus coerulescens ______ ARne (DV1:18) (MM:265) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Blue Leaf
(Range: Mexico to northern Argentina)
Memphis oenomais ______ (DV1:18)
(Range: Mexico thru Central & South America)

Genus DOXOCOPA

Doxocopa laure ______ (C:285) (DV1:20) (K:225) (PE:24)
Silver Emperor (or Laure)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)
Doxocopa linda mileta ______ ARne (MM:266) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Linda ("Cute")
Doxocopa agathina vacuna ______ ARne (MM:267) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Turqui ("Turquoise")
Doxocopa kallina ______ ARne (MM:268)
AR common name: Indigo
Doxocopa laurentia laurentia (*) ______ ARne (MM:269) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Turquoise Emperor
AR common name: Zafiro ("Sapphire")

A Turquoise Emperor, or Sapphire, Doxocopa laurentia,
photographed during the FONT tour at Iguazu Falls in August 2008
(photo by Pamela Sims)
Doxocopa zunilda zunilda ______ ARne (MM:270) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Zunilda

Subfamily LIBYTHEINAE: SNOUTS

Genus LIBYTHEANA: SNOUTS

Libytheana carinenta carinenta ______ ARne (C:281) (DV1:20) (F:175) (K:223) (MM:255) (PE:18) (S:146) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Southern (or American) Snout (or Snout Butterfly)
AR common name: Picuda
(Range: southern US to Argentina)

Genus COLOBURA

Colobura dirce dirce ______ ARne (C:291) (DV1:21) (MM:271) (S:114) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Small Beauty (also called The Mosaic or Zebra Butterfly)
AR common name: Cebrita
(Range: Mexico thru Central & South America, also the West Indies)

Small Beauty

Genus HISTORIS

Historis odius dious ______ ARne (DV1:21) (MM:272) (PE:text) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Orion (also called Stinky Leaf Wing)
AR common name: Popeno: (a Guarani word meaning "gigantic")
(Range: throughout Central & South America; in North America, a rare stray to Florida)

Orion

Genus SMYRNA

Smyrna blomfildia blomfilda ______ ARne (DV1:21) (K:225) (MM:273) (PE:26) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Blomfild's Beauty
AR common name: Dibujada
(Range: Mexico to Argentina)

Genus BIBLIS

Biblis hyperia nectanabis (*) ______ ARne (C:319) (DV1:21) (F:124) (K:215) (MM:291) (PE:25) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Red Rim
AR common name: Alas Sangrantes ("Crimson-banded Black")
(Range: Mexico to the Argentina, also the West Indies)

Red Rim

Genus HAMADRYAS: CRACKERS: species in this genus are called "crackers" because of the noise the males make in flight; in general CRACKERS are also called CALICOS.

Hamadryas februa februa (*) ______ ARne (DV1:21) (F:158) (K:217) (MM:284) (PE:26) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Gray Cracker (or some places called The Cracker) (also called Common Calico)
AR common name: Pororo Ocelos Rojos ("Red eye-spotted Pororo") ("Pororo" is a Guarani word meaning "that crackles" or "that sparkles".)
(Range: southern US to Argentina)

Hamadryas februa occurs along forest edges. Not at flowers, but at rotting fruit, dung, and mud.

Gray Cracker

Hamadryas feronia ______ (C:259) (DV1:21) (K:217) (PE:26)
Variable Cracker (also called Blue Cracker)
(Range: southern US to Brazil)

Hamadryas ipthime ______ (DV1:21) (PE:26)
Brownish Cracker (also called Ringless Blue Cracker)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Hamadryas fornax fornax ______ ARne (DV1:21) (F:158) (MM:287) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Yellow Cracker (or Yellow-skirted Cracker)
AR common name: Pororo Mancha Ocre ("Ochre-spotted Pororo") ("Pororo" is a Guarani word meaning "that crackles" or "that sparkles")
(Range: Mexico to Argentina)

Hamadryas fornax is smaller than other crackers, and with a number of subspecies. In moist rainforest, it occurs along trails and rivers.

Hamadryas amphinome amphinome ______ ARne (DV1:22) (F:157) (MM:286) (PE:26) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Red Cracker
AR common name: Pororo Mancha Roja ("Red-spotted Pororo") ("Pororo" is a Guarani word meaning "that crackles" or "that sparkles")
(Range: Mexico to northern Argentina)

Hamadryas amphinome occurs in rainforests.

Red Cracker (red is on the other side of the wings)
Hamadryas epinome ______ ARne (MM:285)
AR common nmae: Pororo (a Guarani word meaning "that crackles" or "that sparkles")
Hamadryas arete ______ ARne (MM:288)
AR common name: Pororo Azul ("Blue Pororo") ("Pororo" is a Guarani word meaning "that crackles" or "that sparkles")

Genus ECTIMA
Ectima thecla thecla ______ ARne (MM:289)
AR common name: Pororo Mini (referring to the similarity with the butterflies of the genus HAMADRYAS called "Pororo"; "Mini" relates to its smaller size.)

Genus EUNICA

60 species in Central & South America that live in primary forest

Eunica tatila bellaria ______ ARne (DV1:22) (K:215) (MM:317): (PE:25) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Florida Purple Wing (or Large Purple Wing, or simply Purple Wing)
AR common name: "Dulce" ("Sweet")
(Range: southern US to northern Argentina, also West Indies)

Florida Purplewing

Eunica monima ______ (DV1:22) (K:215) (PE:25)
Dingy Purple Wing
(Range: US & Mexico thru Central & South America, also the Antilles & Bahamas)
Eunica maja maja ______ ARne (MM:316) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Maja
Eunica eburnea ______ ARne (MM:318)
AR common name: Marfil ("Ivory") (The scientific name, eburneo, means "ivory, or like it")

Genus MARPESIA: DAGGERWINGS

A genus of mostly Central and South American butterflies, but also occurs in Africa. Called "daggerwings" after the long tail on each hindwing.

Marpesia coresia (or zerynthia) ______ (DV1:23) (K:219) (PE:25)
Waiter Daggerwing
(Range: southern US thru Central & South America)
Marpesia merops ______ (DV1:23)
Spot-banded Daggerwing
(Range: Guatemala to Brazil)

Marpesia petreus petreus ______ ARne (DV1:23) (F:177) (K:219) (MM:320) (PE:25) (S:123) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Ruddy Daggerwing (also called Southern Daggertail, and in the West Indies, the Tailed Flambeau)
AR common name: Daga
(Range: southern US thru Central & South America)

Marpesia petreus visits flowers and mud-puddles.

Ruddy Daggerwing

Marpesia chiron marius ______ ARne (C:273) (DV1:23) (K:219) (MM:319) (PE:25) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Many-banded Daggerwing
AR common name: Mario (refers to the subspecific name; the only race found in Argentina)
BR common name: Cambaxirra
(Range: southern US, Central & South America, also West Indies)

Genus DYNAMINE

Dynamine agacles agacies ______ ARne (DV1:24) (MM:303) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Gota Ribeteada ("Edged Drop")
(Range: Costa Rica to Argentina)

Dynamine mylitta ______ (DV1:24)
(Range: Mexico thru Central & South America)

Dynamine artemisia artemisia ______ ARne (C:289) (MM:308) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Small-eyed Sailor
AR common name: Gota de Monoculo ("Drop with Monocle", has a large "eyespot" with a band, like a monocle)
(Range: Mexico to Argentina)

Dynamine glauce ______ (DV1:24)
(Range: Mexico thru Central & South America)

Dynamine myrrhina ______ ARne (MM:301)
AR common name: Gota de Luz ("Light Drop")

Dynamine coenus coenus ______ ARne (MM:302) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Gota Blanca ("White Drop")

Dynamine athemon athemaena ______ ARne (MM:304) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Gota con Linea ("Drop with Line")

Dynamine tithia tithia ______ ARne (MM:305) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Gota Ciega ("Blind Drop")

Dynamine postverta postverta ______ ARne (MM:306) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Four-spotted Sailor
AR common name: Gota Ocelada ("Eye-spotted Drop")

Dynamine aerata ______ ARne (MM:307)
AR common name: Gota de Anteokos ("Drop with Glasses")

Genus CYBDELIS

Cybdelis phaesyla ______ ARne (MM:309)
AR common name: Abanderada ("Standard-bearer") (alludes to the pattern on the upper fore wings, like Argentina's flag)

Genus PYRRHOGYRA

Pyrrhogyra neaerea arge ______ ARne (MM:310)
AR common name: Pore Pyta

Genus TEMENIS

Temenis laothoe santina ______ ARne (DV1:24) (MM:313) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Orange Banner
AR common name: Mocha ("Blunt")
(Range: Mexico to northern Argentina)

Genus NICA

Nica flavilla flavilla ______ ARne (DV1:24) (MM:314) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Little Banner
AR common name: Aritos ("Small Rings")
(Range: Mexico to northern Argentina)

Genus MYSCELIA
Myscelia orsis ______ ARne (MM:315)
AR common name: Yin-Yang (This name is because the male & female are very different, but yet they are of course complimentary, as in the universal principle of the yin and the yang in Taoism.)

Subfamily LIMENITIDINAE: ADMIRALS

Adults often characterized by flap-and-glide flight.

Genus EPIPHILE

Epiphile orea orea ______ ARne (DV1:24) (MM:311) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Marcada Azul ("Blue Marked")
(Range: Costa Rica to northern Argentina)

Epiphile hubneri ______ ARne (MM:312)
AR common name: Marcada Anaranjada ("Orange Marked")

Genus CATONEPHELE

Catonephele numilia neogermanica (*) ______ ARne (DV1:25) (MM:292) (S:139) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Stoplight Catone (has also been called Grecian Shoemaker)
AR common name: Terciopelo Manchado ("Spotted Velvet")
(Range: Mexico to southern Brazil & Argentina)

A Spotlight Catone (or Grecian Shoemaker, or "Spotted Velvet"),
photographed during the FONT August 2009 tour in southeast Brazil)

Catonephele acontius caeruleus ______ ARne (MM:293) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Terciopelo Fajado ("Banded Velvet")

Genus HAEMATERA

Haematera pyrame pyrame ______ ARne (DV1:25) (MM:290) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Llamarada ("Blaze")
(Range: Nicaragua to northern Argentina)

Genus DIAETHRIA

Diaethria clymena janeira (*) ______ ARne (C:317) (MM:294) (subspecies in northeast Argentina & southern Brazil)
AR common name: Ochenta y Ocho ("Eighty-Eight")
(Range: subtropical & tropical Latin America)

An "Eighty-eight Butterfly", Diaethria clymena,
photographed during the FONT tour in southeast Brazil in August 2009

Diaethria eluina eluina (*) ______ ARne (MM:295) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Ochenta y Ocho Azul ("Blue Eighty-Eight")

Diaethria candrena candrena ______ ARne (MM:296) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Ochenta ("Eighty")

Diaethria marchalii ______ (DV1:25)
(Range: Nicaragua to Brazil)

Genus CALLICORE

Callicore pygas thamyras ______ ARne (MM:297) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Para Guasu (re the name: "Para" & "Guasu" are Guarani words meaning, respectively, "full of colors" and "big")

Callicore hydaspes (*) ______ ARne (MM:298)
AR common name: Para Mini (re the name: "Para" & "Mini" are Guarani words meaning, respectively, "full of colors" and "small")

Callicore sorana sorana ______ ARne (MM:299) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Para Zigzag ("Zigzag Para")

Genus PAULOGRAMMA
Paulogramma pyracmon pyracmon ______ ARne (MM:300)
AR common name: Para Mediana ("Medium Para")

Genus ADELPHA

Adelpha zea ______ ARne (DV1:27) (MM:282)
AR common name: Zea
(Range: Mexico to the Argentina)

Adelpha lycorias lycorias ______ ARne (MM:274) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Mancha Bermellon ("Vermilion Spot")

Adelpha syma (*) ______ ARne (MM:275)
AR common name: Syma

Adelpha mythra ______ ARne (MM:276)
AR common name: Mithra (re the name: Mithra was a Persian god.)

Adelpha malea goyama ______ ARne (MM:277) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Goyama

Adelpha abia ______ ARne (MM:278)
AR common name: Abia

Adelpha serpa serpa ______ ARne (MM:279) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Serpa

Adelpha falcipennis ______ ARne (MM:280)
AR common name: Adelfa Ocre

Adelpha thessalia indefecta ______ ARne (MM:281) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Tesala del Nordeste ("Northeastern Tesela")

Adelpha melona pseudarete ______ ARne (MM:283) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Melona

Genus HYPANARTIA

Hypanartia lethe ______ (C:279) (DV1:28) (MM:324)
Orange Mapwing
AR common name: Lete (refers to the scientific name; Lethe, in mythology, was Oleno's wife who turned into a stone)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)
Hypanartia bella ______ (MM:325)
AR common name: Bella ("Beautiful")

Genus SIPROETA (or METAMORPHA)

Siproeta (or Metamorpha) stelenes meridionalis (*) ______ ARne (DV1:28) (F:202) (K:209) (MM:329) (PE:26) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Malachite
an AR common name: Itaovy guasu ("Large Emerald") (from Guarani words, alluding to its color, size, and beauty)
(Range: southern US to northern Argentina, and in the West Indies)

The Malachite is on the wing all year in the tropics. It feeds on fermenting fruit.

Above & below: Malachites

The photo below was taken during the FONT tour in Brazil in May 2011.
(photo by Patricia Yoder)

Siproeta epaphus trayja (*) ______ ARne (DV1:28) (K:209) (MM:320) (S:136) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Rusty-tipped Page (or Brown Siproeta)
AR common name: Epafos Moreno ("Dark Epafos") (referring to Epafos who in mythology, was Jupiter's son.)
(Range: Mexico to northern Argentina)

Rusty-tipped Page
(photo by Rosemary Lloyd during a FONT tour)

Genus ANARTIA

Anartia amathea roesella (*) ______ ARne (C:311) (MM:327) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Red Peacock
AR common name: Princesa Roja ("Red Princess")
(Range: Panama to Argentina, also: Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, Antigua)

Anartia jatrophae jatrophae (*) ______ ARne (C:309) (DV1:28) (K:209) (MM:326) (PE:24) (S:107) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
White Peacock
AR common name: Princesa Perlada (Princesa, or Princess, is the common Spanish name for the ANARTIA genus butterflies; "Perlada" refers to the wing coloring.)
(Range: southern US thru Central & South America, also West Indies)

White Peacock

Genus JUNONIA: BUCKEYES
Junonia genoveva hilaris ______ ARne (K:207) (MM:328) (PE:23) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Tropical Buckeye
AR common name: Pavo Real ("Peacock") (another name: Genoveva)
(Range: southern US to Argentina)

Genus VANESSA: LADY BUTTERFLIES
Vanessa (or Cynthia) cardui ______ (DV1:28) (K:205) (PE:23) (S:141)
Painted Lady
(Range: worldwide, except for Australia and New Zealand)

Painted Lady
Vanessa carye ______ ARne (MM:321)
AR common name: Dama Cuatro Ojos ("Four-eyed Lady")
Vanessa braziliensis ______ ARne (MM:322)
AR common name: Dama Dos Ojos ("Two-eyed Lady")
Vanessa myrinna ______ ARne (MM:323)
AR common name: Dama Fajada ("Banded Lady") (refers to the postmedian band on the upper rear wings)

Genus HYPOLIMNAS

Hypolimnas misippus ______ (DV1:28) (F:164)
The Mimic (other names: Diadem Butterfly, Six-continent Butterfly, Danaid Butterfly)
(Range: distributed worldwide)

The female of Hypolimnas misippus resembles Danaus chrysippus of the Old World, with coloration similar to Danaus glippus, the Queen.

Genus CHLOSYNE: PATCHES

Chlosyne lacinia saundersi (*) ______ ARne (C:265) (DV1:29) (K:189) (MM:337) (PE:21) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Bordered Patch
AR common name: Naranjita
(Range: US to northern Argentina)

Chlosyne lacinia has a very variable pattern. It prefers sunny places and feeds on nectar.

A dark Bordered Patch.
But those in the Iguazu area have more orange in the upperwings, hence the common name there of "Naranjita".
(above photo by Doris Potter)

Genus TEGOSA

Tegosa frisia hermas ______ ARne (MM:331)
AR common name: Salpicada (Splashy)

Tegosa claudina ______ ARne (MM:332)
AR common name: Claudina

Genus ORTILIA

Ortilia ithra ______ ARne (MM:333)
AR common name: Mbatara (a Guarani word meaning "lead-colored, with short white lines)

Ortilia velica durnfordi ______ ARne (MM:334)
AR common name: Marroncita ("Small Brown")

Ortilia dicoma ______ ARne (MM:335)
AR common name: Alitas Largas ("Long Wings")

Genus ERESIA

Eresia lansdorfi ______ ARne (MM:336)
AR common name: Falsa Erato ("False Erato") (name refers to its resemblance to Heliconius erato phyllis)

Subfamily HELICONIINAE: LONGWINGS

Mostly in the American tropics. Adults of some species are long-lived, and several are distasteful. Various other species mimic the distasteful butterflies of this group.

Genus PHILAETHRIA: 2 nearly identical species which may be differentiated only by comparing their underwings.
Philaethria dido ______ (DA:92)
(Range: southern Mexico to Brazil; also Trinidad)

The costal margins and the transverse band of the hindwings of Philaethria dido are chocolate-colored.
Philaethria wernickei ______ ARne (DA:text) (MM:340)
AR common name: Itaovy Rabona ("Tailess Itaovy") (Itaovy is a Guarani word meaning "emerald".)
(Range: southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina)

The costal margins and the transverse band of the hindwings of Philaethria wernickei are gray.

Genus DIONE

Dione moneta ______ (C:267) (DV1:31) (F:143) (K:155) (PE:19)
Mexican Silverspot (or Mexican (Silver-spotted) Fritillary)
(Range: southern US thru Central & South America)

Dione juno suffumata ______ ARne (DV1:31) (MM:343) (S:161) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Silver Spot (or Scarce Silver-spotted Flambeau)
AR common name: Juno Oscura ("Dark Juno") (Juno in mythology was a Greek goddess, and dark is in comparison with another Argentine subspecies.)
(Range: thru Central & South America, also the Lesser Antilles)

Dione juno is closely related to Dryas iulia. It often occurs in the same places as the very similar Gulf Fritillary, and is said to be attracted to red and blue flowers.

Genus AGRAULIS: a single well-known species which occurs in a number of races throughout its vast range.

Agraulis vanillae maculosa ______ ARne (C:269) (DA:93) (DV1:31) (F:144) (K:157) (MM:341) (PE:19) (S:160) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Gulf Fritillary (another name, particularly in the West Indies: Silver-spotted Flambeau)
AR common name: Espejitos ("Mirrors") (referring to the silver spots on the ventral side, that appear as fragments of a mirror)
BR common name: Pingos de Prata
(Range: southern US thru American tropics to South America, also West Indies)

Agraulis vanillae is a widespread, familiar butterfly that visits gardens to drink nectar.
Its fiery orange upperside is distinguished from Dryas iulia by the presence of numerous black dots on the forewing and a silver spotted underside.

Two photographs of the Gulf Fritillary, with the upper photo showing the "mirrors"
(upper photo by Doris Potter; lower photo by Howard Eskin)

Genus DRYADULA

Dryadula phaetusa ______ ARne (DV1:31) (K:155) (MM:344) (PE:19)
Banded Orange Heliconian (or Banded Orange)
AR common name: Faetusa (referring to Phaetusa, who in mythology was the Sun's daughter, and Phaeton's sister.)
(Range: Mexico to northern Argentina)

A Banded Orange Heliconian photographed during a FONT tour in Brazil

Genus DRYAS

Dryas iulia alcionea (*) ______ ARne (C:301) (DA:94) (DV1:31) (F:145) (K:157) (MM:342) (PE:19) (S:159) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Julia Heliconian (or Julia) (another name, particularly in the West Indies: The Flambeau)
AR common name: Julia
(Range: southern US thru American tropics to Brazil, also West Indies)

Dryas iulia visits open sunny and flowery areas, often wet ground. It breeds on the passion flower.

Two photos of Julia Heliconians; the lower photo during a FONT tour in Brazil

Genus EUEIDES: a genus of about a dozen species that's remarkable for the lack of conformity of its members. Some resemble DANAIDAE (Ituna), ACRAEIDAE (Actinote), ITHOMIIDAE (Mechanitis) and the genus HELICONIUS.

Eueides aliphera aliphera ______ ARne (DA:94) (DV1:31) (MM:348) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Small Julia
AR common name: Pequena Julia ("Small Julia") (A miniature of Dryas julia, both in wing shape and the variations of markings.)
(Range: Mexico to northern Argentina, including Trinidad & Tobago)

Eueides isabella dianasa (*) ______ ARne (DV1:31) (K:155) (MM:349) (PE:20) (S:159) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Isabella's Heliconian (or Isabella, or Isabella Tiger)
AR common name: Isabel Meridional ("Southern Isabel")
(Range: Mexico to northern Argentina, also West Indies)

Eueides vibilia ______ (DV1:31)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Eueides heliconius ______ (S:161)
Small Flambeau

Eueides heliconius is a miniature replica of Dryas iulia.

Genus HELICONIUS: LONGWINGS

Heliconius ricini ______ (S:163)
Small Heliconius

Heliconius hecale ______ (DA:100) (DV1:31) (F:160)
(Range: Mexico to the Guianas, Amazonas, & the eastern side of the Andes in Bolivia; throughout Central & South America, with a number of races)

Heliconius melpomene ______ (C:307) (DA:101) (DV1:32) (F:161) (S:162)
Postman Heliconian (or the Postman)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Heliconius melpomene is slightly larger than its close relative & nearly identical buttterfly, Heliconius erato. Many species in this genus have forms matching so closely that they very difficult to distinguish.
Heliconius melpomene flies with Heliconius erato, the Small Postman.
Heliconius erato phyllis (*) ______ ARne (DA:103,104) (DV1:32) (F:160) (K:155) (MM:345) (PE:19) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Erato Heliconian (another name: Crimson-patched Longwing)
AR common name: Erato (Erato was, in mythology, one of the nine muses; she presided over erotic poetry.)
a BR common name: Castanha Vermelha
(Range: Mexico to Argentina)

Heliconius erato flies close to the ground, along forest margins and in open areas. It roosts communally at night.

Erato Heliconian

Heliconius charitonia ______ (C:303) (DA:105) (DV1:32) (F:160) (K:155) (PE:19) (S:160)
Zebra Heliconian (or Zebra) (also called Zebra Longwing)
(Range: southern US thru Central & South America, also the West Indies)

The Zebra Heliconian is a graceful butterfly is a common sight in gardens and at roadside flowers. It roosts in small to large clusters, returning to the same roost night after night. It is very familiar to visitors of butterfly houses as it is easy to rear.

Zebra Heliconian
(photo by Doug Johnson)

Heliconius besckei ______ ARne (MM:346)
AR common name: Alemana ("German") (in that the coloring of the butterfly is like the German flag)

Heliconius ethilla narcaea ______ ARne (MM:347) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Arcoiris ("Rainbow")
BR common name: Maria Boba

Genus EUPTOIETA

Euptoieta claudia hortensia ______ ARne (D1:32) (K:157) (MM:338) (PE:20)
Variegated Fritillary
AR common name: Hortensia (the subspecific epithet)
(Range: Canada thru Central & South America, also the West Indies)

Variegated Fritillary
(photo by Howard Eskin)
Euptoieta hegesia meridiania ______ ARne (MM:339)
AR common name: Falsa Hortensia ("False Hortensia") (alluding to its resemblance to Euptoieta claudia hortensia, with the common name Hortensia)

Genus ACTINOTE

Actinote anteas ______ (D1:32)
(Range: Mexico to Venezuela)

Actinote melampeplos ______ (D1:32)
(Range: Costa Rica to Ecuador)
Actinote surima surima ______ ARne (MM:350) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Perezosa Anaranjada ("Orange Lazy") (name refers to its type of flight)
Actinote thalia pyrrha ______ ARne (MM:351) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Perezosa Base Amarilla ("Yellow Base Lazy") (name refers to its type of flight)
Actinote melanisans ______ ARne (MM:352)
AR common name: Perezosa Base Translucida ("Translucent Base Lazy") (name refers to its type of flight)
Actinote pellenea calymma ______ ARne (MM:353) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Perezosa ("Lazy") (name refers to its type of flight)
Actinote mamita elena ______ ARne (MM:354) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Perezosa de Elena ("Elena's Lazy") (name refers to its type of flight)

Subfamily DANAINAE: MILKWEED BUTTERFLIES

Genus ITUNA: a single species, distinctive.
Ituna ilione lamira ______ (DA:79)
(Range: Central America to northern Argentina)

The Ituna ilione sexes are similar. The semi-transparent wings are similar to ITHOMIIDS, but this species has a much greater size. It is often seen floating effortlessly for long distances, at a uniform height above the ground, until a shrub with flowers distracts it from its reverie. Then, it becomes immediately ensconced, oblivious to all else, as it spends long minutes refreshing itself.

Genus LYCOREA: Remarkable HELICONID MIMICS. They resemble Heliconius ethilla, but can be distinguished by their larger size in both sexes, and in the male, the presence of a tuft of extrusible "hair-pencils" at the tip of the abdomen.
Lycorea ilione ilione ______ ARne (DV1:33) (MM:415) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Reina Cristalina ("Crystalline Queen")
BR common name: Grande Vitral
(Mexico to northern Argentina)
Lycorea halia discreta ______ ARne (MM:414) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Halia del Noreste ("Northeastern Halia") (In mythology, Halia was a Nereid.)

Genus DANAUS: ROYALTY

Danaus plexippus erippus ______ ARne (C:37) (DA:80) (DV1:33) (F:143) (K:227) (MM:416) (PE:27) (S:184) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Monarch
AR common name: Monarca (Another Spanish common name is: Oruga de las Asclepias)
(Range: a truly cosmopolitan species, occurring in North and South America, Australia, and the East Indies.)

The Monarch is a very strong flier with strong migratory tendencies in temperate regions, but not in the tropics where it is usually a solitary flier.

Monarch
(photo by Howard Eskin)

Danaus eresimus plexaure ______ ARne (C:283) (DV1:33) (F:142) (K:229) (MM:417) (PE:27) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Soldier
AR common name: Emperatriz ("Empress")
(southern US to northern Argentina, also in the Antilles)
Danaus gilippus gilippus ______ ARne (D1:33) (F:143) (K:229) (MM:418) (PE:27) (S:183) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Queen
AR common name: Reina ("Queen")
(southern US to northern Argentina)

A Queen
(photo by Howard Eskin)

Subfamily ITHOMIINAE: this highly diverse group has been considered as a separate family, or (now by most) as a subfamily of NYMPHALIDAE.

Genus TITHOREA: a Neotropical genus of about 15 species

Tithorea tarricina ______ (DV1:34) (F:207)
(Mexico to Brazil)

Tithorea harmonia pseudonyma ______ (C:367) (DV1:34) (MM:397) (S:180) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Harmonius Tiger-Clearwing (also called Tiger Butterfly, or the Tiger)
AR common name: Armoniosa
(Mexico to Brazil)

Genus THYRIDIA: 4 species, 3 of which strongly resemble species in the genus METHONA. These species are separated from those in that genus by the presence of white marginal spots on both surfaces of the hindwing. In METHONA they only occur on the underside. THYRIDA species are generally larger than METHONA.

Thyridia hippodamia cetoides ______ (DA:85)
(Range: Peru, Brazil)

Thyridia hippodamia can be difficult to separate from Methonia species.

Thyridia psidii pallida ______ (DV1:34) (MM:401) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Palida ("Pale")
(Range: Mexico to northern Argentina)

Genus MECHANITIS: 8 to 10 species of distinctively shaped ITHOMIIDS, some of which have extremely long wings and abdomens, making them look rather like dragonflies.

Mechanitis isthmia ______ (S:180)
Common Mechanitis

Mechanitis isthmia flies in bright sunlight, attracted to flowers.

Mechanitis lysimnia lysimnia ______ ARne (DA:85) (DV1:34) (MM:399) (subspecies in northeast Argentina & Minas Gerais, Brazil)
AR common name: Multicolor ("Multicolored")
(Range: Honduras to northern Argentina)

Genus HYALYRIS: 8 to 10 species of CLEARWINGS, with some species showing delicate combinations of yellows & Orange-browns especially at the anal angle of the hindwings.

Hypothyris euclea laphria ______ ARne (DV1:34) (MM:406) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Yvoty (a Guarani word for "flower")
(Range: Mexico to northern Argentina)

Hypothyris ninonia daeta ______ ARne (MM:407) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Yvoty Moroti (Guarani words are Yvorty meaning "flower" and Moroti meaning "white")

Genus ITHOMIA: 40 to 45 species of clear-winged butterflies with the most beautiful opalescent reflections when viewed in an oblique light.

Ithomia agnosia zikani ______ ARne (MM:404) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Cristalina Mancha Blanca ("White-spotted Crystalline")

Ithomia drymo ______ ARne BRse (MM:405)
AR common name: Cristalina Guion Negro ("Black Hyphen Crystalline")

Genus DIRCENNA

Dircenna dero celtina ______ (DV1:35) (MM:409) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Celtina (In mythology, Celtina had a baby with Hercules called Celto, that gave rise to the Celts)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Genus EPISCADA: 15 to 18 species of mostly clearwinged butterflies, with 1 or 2 with orange-brown and yellow colored opaque qualities.
Episcada carcinia ______ (DA:89)
(Range: southern Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, & Uruguay)
Episcada hymenaea hymenaea ______ (MM:410) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Cristalina ("Crystalline")

Genus POLISSENA

Greta polissena ______ (DV1:36)
(Range: Costa Rica to Brazil)

Subfamily MORPHIDAE: there are about 150 species of this grouping in tropical Central & South America

Genus MORPHO: about 80 showy species. These Central & South American species have always drawn much attention, as the large, obvious males are a very bright metallic blue.

Morpho achillides achillides ______ ARne BRse(*) (MM:355) (subspecies in northeast Argentina & southern Brazil)
AR common name: Pora (this name is a Guarani word meaning "beautiful".)
BR common name: Capitao do mato

Morpho achilles, photographed during the FONT tour in Brazil in March 2009.
(photo by Patricia Yoder)

Another photo of Morpho achilles, taken during the FONT tour in southeast Brazil in August 2009.
This time with a mango on which it had been feasting.

Morpho aega aega ______ ARne(*) BRse (MM:356) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Blue Silk
AR common name: Vera
BR common names: Seda Azul, Corcovado, Telao de Seda, Azulao

Morpho epistrophus argentina ______ ARne (MM:357) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Moroti (this name: is a Guarani word meaning "white".)
Morpho helenor violacea ______ BRse(*)
Helenor Morpho

A Helenor Morpho photographed during a FONT tour in Brazil in May 2011
(photo by Pat Yoder)

Subfamily BRASSOLIDAE: "The OWLS"

Genus BRASSOLIS
Brassolis sophorae vulpeculus ______ (MM:360) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Zorra ("Fox") (derived from the scientific name of the subspecies, vulpeculus)
BR common name: Borboleta do Coqueiro

Genus DYNASTOR: 3 magnificent species

Dynastor darius stygianus ______ (DV1:41) (subspecies from Guatemala to Ecuador)
Dynastor darius ictericus ______ ARne (MM:361) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Dario (derived from the scientific name, darius)
(Range: Mexico to the Amazon Basin)

Genus DASYOPHTHALMA: 3 species in central & southern Brazil
Dasyophthalma creusa ______ (DA:140)
(Range: central & southern Brazil, maybe adjacent Paraguay)

Dasyopthhalma creusa can only be encountered in the first few months of the year, in the deepest forest. It is one of the most commonly taken butterflies on baits. Moth collectors have reported it coming to bait even at night.

Genus NAROPE
Narope cyllene ______ ARne (MM:358)
AR common name: Cilenia (the Cilenos, in mythology, were the inhabitants of Mount Cilene.)

Genus OPSIPHANES: 13 species, all with stout bodies, and thick scaled wings. Occur from Mexico to Paraguay (& in Trinidad). The male wingshape reminiscent of the Afrotropical CHARAXES. The behavior is much like that of other BRASSOLIDS. Most of the species in this genus strongly resemble each other. Most of these species are not common.

Opsiphanes invirae amplificatus ______ ARne (DV1:42) (MM:359) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Fantasma ("Ghost")
(Range: Honduras to northern Argentina)

Genus CATOBLEPIA
Catoblepia amphirhoe ______ ARne (MM:363)
AR common name: Fantasma Grande ("Big Ghost")

Genus ERYPHANIS: 6 species with "owl eyes" in Central & South America. Breeds on bamboo.
Eryphanis reevesii ______ ARne (MM:366)
AR common name: Sombra Azul ("Blue Shadow")

Genus CALIGO: 20 to 30 species of among the largest and most striking butterflies in the world. The species in this genus can usually be distinguished from each other by the pattern and coloration of the upper wings

Caligo teucer ______ (S:157)
Cocoa Mort Bleu
(Avoids bright sunlight. Flies in the late afternoon and at dusk. Attracted to fermenting fruit.)

Caligo eurilochus brasiliensis ______ ARne (DA:1430 (DV1:45) (MM:367)
Owl Butterfly (or Magnificent Owl
AR common name: Lechucita de Brazil ("Brazilian Little Owl")
(Range: Guatemala to northern Argentina)

An Owl Butterfly in Brazil

Caligo illioneus pampeiro ______ ARne (DA:text) (DV1:46) (MM:368) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Lechucita ("Little Owl")
(Range: Costa Rica to northern Argentina)

Subfamily SATYRINAE: SATYRS & WOOD NYMPHS - the RINGLETS, a large group represented strongly in Central & South America

Genus HERMEUPTYCHIA

Hermeuptychia sosybius ______ (K:231) (PE:28)
Carolina Satyr
(Range: southeast US thru mainland tropical America)

Hermeuptychia hermes ______ ARne (MM:385)
Hermes Satyr
AR common name: Hermes

Genus MANATARIA

Manataria maculata ______ (D1:47)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Manataria hercyna hercyna ______ ARne (MM:369) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Franja Crema ("Cream Band")

Genus TAYGETIS: About 27 species of browns in Central & South America. With brown or gray upperparts, and with false eyes on the underside. Mostly, they prefer shaded rainforest understory.

Taygetis mermeria ______ (D1:47)
(Range: Mexico to Bolivia & Brazil)

Taygetis virgilia ______ (D1:47)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Taygetis celia ______ (D1:47)
(Range: Nicaragua to Bolivia & Brazil)

Taygetis kerea ______ (D1:47)
(Range: Guatemala to Paraguay)

Taygetis andromeda ______ (D1:48)
(Range: Mexico thru Central & South America)
Taygetis sylvia ______ ARne (MM:370)
AR common name: Silvia (referring to the scientific name, sylvia)
Taygetis rufomarginata ______ ARne (MM:371)
AR common name: Rojiza ("Reddish")
Taygetis acuta ______ ARne (MM:372)
AR common name: Puntiguda ("Pointed")
Taygetis ypthima ______ ARne (MM:373)
AR common name: Ganchuda ("Hook-shaped")
Taygetis laches marginata ______ ARne (MM:374) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Andromeda (refers to an erroneously applied scientific name)

Genus CISSIA: butterflies in this genus were formerly all placed in EUPTYCHIA

Cissia hermes ______ (D1:41)
Grass Nymph
(Range: Mexico thru the American tropics)

Cissia palladia ______ (D1:48)
(Range: Nicaragua to Brazil, also Trinidad)

Cissia metaleuca ______ (D1:48)
(Range: Mexico to Brazil)

Cissia thobiei ______ ARne (MM:392) (may be a subspecies of Cissia myncea)
AR common name: Cisea

Family HESPERIIDAE: SKIPPERS

A very large family (3,000 species throughout the world) of stout-bodied short-winged butterflies that resemble day-flying moths. The adult butterfly's flight resembles a 'skipping' motion when going from flower to flower. Their forewings are closed above their back when they are settled.

Just some of the Skippers in the Neotropics are noted below.

Genus PYRRHOPYGE
Pyrrhopyge charybdis charybdis _____ ARne (MM:32) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
AR common name: Diablito ("Little Devil")
BR common name: Diabinho

Genus PHOCIDES

Phocides pigmalion hewitsonius ______ ARne (K:267) (PE:30) (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Mangrove Skipper
(Range: Mexico to Argentina, also Florida & West Indies)

Phocides palemon (formerly polybius) ______ (C:253) (K:267) (PE:30) (S:42)
Guava Skipper
(formerly polybius) ______ (C:253) (K:267) (PE:30) (S:42)
Guava Skipper

Phocides palemon has a striking plumage. It feeds on Guava and related species.

Phocides charon ______ ARne
Charon

Phocides polybius phanius ______ ARne (subspecies in northeast Argentina)
Phanias

Genus PROTEIDES

Proteides mercurius ______ (K:273) (PE:30)
Mercurial Skipper
(Range: Mexico to Argentina, and West Indies. Strays north to southern US.)

Genus EPARGYREUS

Epargyreus edxadeus ______ (K:273) (PE:text)
Broken Silverdrop (or Exadeus Skipper)
(Range: Mexico to Argentina)

Genus POLYGONUS

Polygonus leo ______ (K:267) (PE:30)
Hammock Skipper
(Mexico to Argentina, also Florida & West Indies)

Polygonus manueli ______ (PE:text)
Manuel's Skipper
(Mexico to Argentina, and West Indies)

Genus CHIOIDES

Chioides catillus ______ (C:377) (K:271) (PE:30)
White-striped Longtail
(south Texas to Argentina, and West Indies (Jamaica))

Genus AGUNA

Aguna asander ______ (K:273) (PE:30)
Gold-spotted Aguna
(Mexico to Argentina, and West Indies)

Aguna metophis ______ (K:273) (PE:30)
Tailed Aguna
(Mexico to southern Brazil)

Genus TYPHEDANUS

Typhedanus undulatus ______ (K:271) (PE:30)
Mottled Longtail
(Mexico to Argentina)

Genus POLYTHRIX

Polythrix octomaculata ______ (K:271) (PE:30)
Eight-spotted Longtail (or Polythrix)
(Mexico to Argentina, also Haiti)

Genus URBANUS: LONG-TAILED SKIPPERS

Urbanus proteus ______ (K:269) (PE:30) (S:36)
(Common) Long-tailed Skipper
(south Texas to Argentina, also Florida & West Indies)

Urbanus pronus ______ (PE:text)
Pronus Longtail
(Mexico to southern Brazil)

Urbanus esmeraldus ______ (PE:text)
Esmeralda Longtail
(Mexico to southern Brazil)

Urbanus dorantes ______ (K:269) (PE:30)
Dorantes Longtail (or Skipper)
(south Texas to Argentina, also Florida & West Indies)

Urbanus teleus ______ (K:269) (PE:30)
Teleus Longtail
(south Texas to Argentina)

Urbanus simplicius ______ (PE:text)
Plain Longtail
(Mexico to Argentina)

Urbanus procne ______ (K:269) (PE:30)
Brown Longtail
(south Texas to Argentina, strays elsewhere in the southwest US)

Urbanus doryssus ______ (PE:30)
White-tailed Skipper
(Mexico to Argentina)

Genus ASTRAPTES: FLASHERS

Astraptes fulgerator ______ (K:279) (PE:30)
Two-barred Flasher (or Flashing Astraptes)
(south Texas (mostly Rio Grande Valley) to Argentina)

Astraptes alardus ______ (K:279) (PE:text)
Frosted (or White) Flasher
(Mexico to Argentina, also Cuba, rarely north to southern Texas)

Astraptes anaphus ______ (K:279) (PE:text)
Yellow-tipped (or Yellow) Flasher
(Mexico to Argentina, rarely north to southern Texas)

Genus DYSCOPHELLUS

Dyscophellus euribates ______ (PE:text)
Euribates Skipper
(Costa Rica to Brazil, rarely north to Texas)

Genus SPATHILEPIA

Spathilepia clonius ______ (K:277) (PE:31)
Falcate Skipper
(south Texas & Mexico to Argentina)

Genus COGIA

Cogia calchas ______ (K:265) (PE:31)
Mimosa (or Calchas) Skipper
(south Texas to Argentina)

Cogia hippalus______ (K:259) (PE: text)
Acacia Skipper
(southwest US to Brazil)

Genus NISONIADES

Nisoniades rubescens ______ (K:275) (PE:text)
Purplish-black Skipper
(north Mexico to Brazil, strays to far-southern Texas)

Genus PELLICIA

Pellicia dimidiata ______ (PE:text)
Morning Glory Pellicia
(north Mexico to Argentina)

Genus GORGYTHION

Gorgythion begga ______ (K:275) (PE:text)
Variegated (or Begga) Skipper
(Mexico to Argentina, strays to far-southern Texas)

Genus SOSTRATA

Sostrata bifasciata ______ (PE:text)
Blue-studded Skipper
(Mexico to Argentina, rare stray to far-southern Texas)

Carrhenes canescens ______ (K:295) (PE:31)
Hoary Skipper
(south Texas to Argentina)

Xenophanes tryxus ______ (K:295) (PE:32)
Glassy-winged Skipper
(north Mexico to Argentina, periodically in far-south Texas)

Genus SYSTASEA: POWDERED SKIPPERS
Achlyodes thraso (formerly mithridates) ______ (C:251) (K:275) (PE:31)
Sickle-winged Skipper
(south Texas to Argentina, also West Indies)
Grais stigmatica ______ (K:277) (PE:32)
Hermit (Skipper)
(Mexico to Argentina, periodic stray into North America - Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas)
Chiomara asychis ______ (K:295) (PE:32)
White-patched (or Asychis) Skipper
(south Texas to Argentina, also West Indies)
Gesta (previously Erynnis) gesta ______ (K:287) (PE:32)
False Dusky Wing
(south Texas to Argentina, also West Indies)

Genus ERYNNIS: TRUE DUSKY WINGS
Erynnis funeralis ______ (K:281) (PE:32)
Funereal Dusky Wing
(southwest US to Argentina, wanders further north)

Genus PYRGUS: CHECKERED SKIPPERS
Pyrgus communis ______ (C:235) (K:289) (PE:33)
(Common) Checkered-Skipper
(US to Argentina)
Pyrgus oileus ______ (K:289) (PE:33)
Tropical Checkered Skipper
(southern US to Argentina)

Genus HELIOPETES: LARGE WHITE SKIPPERS
Heliopyrgus (formerly Heliopetes) domicella ______ (K:293) (PE:33)
Erichson's (White-)Skipper
(northern Mexico to Argentina, strays into US)
Heliopetes laviana ______ (K:293) (PE:33)
Laviana (White-)Skipper
(south Texas to Argentina, strays into Arizona & cent Texas)
Heliopetes macaira ______ (K:293) (PE:33)
Turk's-Cap White Skipper (or Macaira Skipper)
(south Texas to Paraguay)

Subfamily HESPERIINAE: BRANDED SKIPPERS

This group is comprised of more than 2,000 species worldwide.
Synapte malitiosa ______ (K:309) (PE:33)
Malicious (Shady) Skipper
(far-southern Texas to southern Brazil & Paraguay, also Cuba)
Corticea corticea ______ (K:311) (PE:33)
Redundant Skipper
(Mexico to southern Brazil, rare stray to south Texas)

Genus NASTRA: SWARTHY SKIPPERS
Cymaenes tripunctus ______ (K:309) (PE:34)
Three-spotted Skipper
(central Mexico to Paraguay, also south Florida & West Indies)
Cymaenes odilia ______ (K:309) (PE:34)
Fawn-spotted Skipper
(north Mexico to Argentina, rarely strays to south Texas)
Vettius fantasos ______ (PE:text)
Fantastic Skipper
(north Mexico to Paraguay, strays to far-southern Texas)
Perichares philetes ______ (K:357) (PE:text)
Green-backed Ruby-eye (or Skipper)
(north Mexico to Paraguay, also West Indies, and strays to far-southern Texas)
Conga chydaea ______ (K:311) (PE:text)
Hidden-ray (or Chydea) Skipper
(Mexico to Argentina, rare stray to far-southern Texas)
Hylephila phyleus ______ (K:303) (PE:35)
Fiery Skipper
(southern US to Argentina, wanders north in US)
Polites vibex ______ (K:303) (PE:35)
Whirlabout
(southeast US to Argentina, also West Indies)
Wallengrenia otho ______ (K:327) (PE:36)
(Southern) Broken Dash
(southeast US to Argentina, also West Indies)
Atalopedes campestris ______ (K:303) (PE:37)
Sachem
(southern US to Brazil)
Quasimellanus (formerly Mellana) eulogius ______ (PE:46)
Mexican Mellana
(north Mexico to Paraguay, periodically strays to far-south Texas)
Lerodea eufala ______ (K:353) (PE:39)
Eufala Skipper
(southern US to southern Argentina, also Cuba)
Calpodes ethlius ______ (K:357) (PE:39) (S:44)
Brazilian Skipper (also called the Canna Skipper, as it is common in gardens where Cannas are grown, on which the larva feeds)
(southern US to Argentina, also West Indies)

Panoquina ocola ______ (K:355) (PE:39)
Ocola Skipper
(southern US to Paraguay, also West Indies)

Panoquina hecebola ______ (K:355) (PE:39)
Hecebolus Skipper
(north Mexico to Paraguay, regular stray to far-southern Texas)

Panoquina sylvicola ______ (K:357) (PE:39)
Purple-washed (or Sylvicola) Skipper
(north Mexico to Argentina, also West Indies, and regular stray to south Texas)

Panoquina fusina ______ (K:357) (PE:39)
Evans' Skipper
(central Mexico to Paraguay, also Jamaica; periodic stray to far-southern Texas)

Nyctelius nyctelius ______ (K:357) (PE:39)
White-banded (or Nyctelius) Skipper
(Mexico to Argentina, also West Indies; periodic stray to south Texas)

Moths:

This photograph of a large moth taken during the FONT tour in southeast Brazil in August 2009.

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