Diet

• Caterpillars feed on plants in the legume family (Fabaceae).

• The larvae feed on young foliage and shelter within folded or partially rolled leaves.

• Adults visit flowers for nectar and may also obtain moisture and minerals from damp surfaces.

Range

• Panthiades bitias ranges from Mexico through Central America and across northern South America to the Amazon region and Suriname.

• It occurs in the Zihua area.

Habitat

• It inhabits tropical and subtropical forest, seasonally dry forest, woodland edges, clearings and secondary vegetation.

• Adults are most often associated with sunny forest margins and openings where flowering plants and larval host trees occur.

• It can occur from lowland areas into foothill habitats.

Description

• A medium-sized hairstreak with a wingspan of approximately 30–35 mm.

• Males have a striking deep blue to violet-blue upper surface, contrasting with darker margins and wing bases.

• Females are generally darker, with blue colouring concentrated toward the basal portions of the wings.

• The underside is brown to grey-brown with fine pale transverse markings and contrasting dark spots.

• The hindwings have short tails and small contrasting markings near the anal angle.

• The brilliant blue upper surface can be difficult to see because adults frequently rest with their wings closed.