Diet

• The larval food plants of Temenis laothoe are primarily vines and shrubs in the soapberry family (Sapindaceae).

• Adults commonly feed on rotting fruit, tree sap and other fermenting or decaying material rather than relying primarily on flower nectar. They may also visit dung and damp ground for minerals.

Range

• Temenis laothoe is a widely distributed Neotropical butterfly ranging from Mexico through Central America and across much of tropical South America to northern Argentina.

• In Mexico, it occurs along both the eastern and western sides of the country, including the Pacific coastal region.

• Guerrero is within its range, and it occurs in the Zihua region.

Habitat

• It inhabits tropical rainforest, humid forest, transitional forest, cloud forest, forest edges, clearings and secondary growth.

• It is most strongly associated with forest environments and can occur from sea level to approximately 1,500–1,600 metres.

• In the Zihua region, suitable habitat includes humid portions of tropical dry forest, forest edges, riparian vegetation and areas supporting its Sapindaceae host plants.

• Adults often fly rapidly through forest openings and may perch briefly on foliage, branches and other exposed surfaces before returning to sunny clearings.

Description

• A medium-sized nymphalid with a wingspan of approximately 45–55 mm and a distinctive orange-red appearance.

• The upper surface of the wings is generally bright orange to tomato-red, with dark brown to reddish-brown markings concentrated toward the apex and outer margins of the forewings.

• The forewing has a strongly concave outer margin, while the hindwing is rounded and distinctly scalloped.

• The underside is more subdued, with orange forewings and pale brown to pearly hindwings marked with darker submarginal spots and small bluish ocelli.

• Colour and pattern vary geographically, and some forms have additional blue or violet markings on the wings.