Zaretis itys

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Zaretis itys
Nymphalidae - Zaretis itys.JPG
Upperside, from Brazil
Zaretis itys itys MHNT ventre.jpg
Underside
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Genus: Zaretis
Species:
Z. itys
Binomial name
Zaretis itys
(Cramer, [1777])
Synonyms
  • Papilio itysCramer, [1777]
  • Anaea itys
  • Siderone itys itylusWestwood, 1850
  • Zaretes pseuditysFruhstorfer, 1909

Zaretis itys, the skeletonized leafwing or leaf wing butterfly, is a Neotropical nymphalid butterfly genus in the subfamily Charaxinae.

Contents

Subspecies

Description

Zaretis itys has a wingspan of about 55–60 millimetres (2.2–2.4 in). The upperside of both wings is dull orange. The underside of the wings simulates dried leaves in colour and pattern. The ground colour is usually earthy brown. [1]

Biology

Caterpillars feed on leaves of Casearia and Laetia species ( Salicaceae ). They usually bind their droppings together with silk as protection from ants.

Distribution

This species can be found from Mexico to the Guyanas, Paraguay, Suriname and Brazil. [1] [2]

Bibliography

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References