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Butterflies of Zihuatanejo

SUPERFAMILY PAPILIONOIDEA

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

-Insects (Class Insecta)

-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)

-Butterflies and Moths (Order Lepidoptera)

-Butterflies (Superfamily Papilionoidea)

-Brush-footed Butterflies (Family Nymphalidae)

-Checkerspots, Anglewings, Peacocks, and Allies (Subfamily Nymphalinae)

-Checkerspots (Tribe Melitaeini)

-Genus Anthanassa

-Ornage-patched Crescent (Anthanassa drusilla)


Anthanassa drusilla, commonly known as the Orange-patched Crescent, is a small but striking butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. This species is found in Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America, typically inhabiting open areas, forest edges, and disturbed habitats. Adults are often seen perching low on vegetation, basking in the sun, or visiting flowers for nectar. They may also feed on rotting fruit or mineral-rich moisture.

Diet

  • Adults: Feed on flower nectar.

  • Caterpillars: Feed on Acanthaceae. Justicia comata is a documented larval host, with females laying eggs on the plant and caterpillars feeding on it after hatching.

Range

  • Anthanassa drusilla has a broad Neotropical distribution extending from Mexico through Central America and into northern and western South America, with records reaching Ecuador and Panama.

  • Around Zihua, Anthanassa drusilla would likely be considered rare to occasional, with suitable habitat occurring where forest edges, secondary vegetation and streamside areas provide its preferred conditions.

Habitat

  • Found along forest edges, roadsides, stream margins, pastures and secondary forest, particularly where there is some disturbance and abundant low-growing vegetation.

  • It occurs from near sea level to approximately 1,500 m and can occupy both relatively open areas and lightly disturbed forest.

Size

  • Approximately 30–36 mm wingspan. The documented Central American form is reported at about 15–18 mm forewing length.

Orange-patched Crescent

Anthanassa drusilla

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