Diet

• Caterpillars feed exclusively on passionvines (Passiflora spp.).

• The larvae are notably gregarious, often feeding together in groups on the same vine.

• Adults feed primarily on nectar from a variety of flowering plants.

Range

• The Juno Silverspot ranges from Mexico through Central America and into much of tropical South America, with additional populations in parts of the Caribbean.

• It occurs in Guerrero and can be encountered in the Zihua area where suitable passionvines and flowering vegetation are present.

Habitat

• It inhabits forest edges, clearings, secondary woodland, stream margins, scrub, gardens, and other sunny areas where passionvines grow.

• It occurs from low elevations into the lower montane zone, generally favoring warm environments.

• In the Zihua region, it is most likely around sunny forest margins and disturbed vegetation supporting Passiflora.

Description

• A medium-to-large Heliconiinae with a wingspan of approximately 50–85 mm.

• The upper surface is predominantly deep orange, with broad dark brown to black margins and conspicuous black markings extending along the forewing veins.

• The forewings are relatively long and broad, giving the butterfly the characteristic longwing appearance.

• The underside is strikingly different, with the hindwings pale brown to tan and covered with numerous silvery-white spots. The pale spots are particularly conspicuous when the butterfly rests with its wings closed.

• The combination of orange upper wings, strongly contrasting black markings, and numerous pale silvery spots beneath makes it relatively distinctive.

• It can be confused with other orange Heliconiinae, but its broad dark forewing markings and heavily spotted underside are useful identification features.