More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Butterflies of Zihuatanejo
SUPERFAMILY PAPILIONOIDEA
-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)
-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)
-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)
-Butterflies and Moths (Order Lepidoptera)
-Butterflies (Superfamily Papilionoidea)
-Brush-footed Butterflies (Family Nymphalidae)
-Leafwing Butterflies (Subfamily Charaxinae)
-Seasonal Leafwing (Zaretis ellops)
The Seasonal Leafwing (Zaretis ellops) is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae, known for its remarkable leaf-like camouflage. It is found in parts of Central and South America, particularly in tropical and subtropical forests. The wings have a distinct pointed shape that mimics the contours of a leaf, further aiding in concealment. This species is commonly found in forest environments, where it relies on its camouflage to evade predators. It often rests with its wings closed, blending seamlessly with dead leaves. Like other members of the Leafwing (Anaeini) tribe, adults feed on rotting fruit, tree sap, and animal dung rather than nectar.
Diet
The larval food plants of Zaretis ellops are primarily species of Casearia in the willow family (Salicaceae).
Adults are attracted to rotting fruit and other fermenting material rather than relying primarily on flower nectar.
Range
Zaretis ellops is a Neotropical species occurring from Mexico through Central America into northern South America.
It occurs in Mexico, including the Pacific coastal region, and is present in Guerrero and the Zihua region.
Habitat
It inhabits tropical dry forest and other tropical forest habitats, generally from near sea level to approximately 800 metres.
In the Zihua region, suitable habitat includes tropical dry forest, woodland edges, forest clearings and other areas where Casearia and related host plants occur.
Adults are strongly associated with forest environments and are particularly well camouflaged when resting among dry leaves on the forest floor.
Description
A medium-sized leafwing with pointed forewing tips, strongly concave outer margins and short projections at the hindwing anal angles.
The upper surface is generally yellowish orange to golden brown, with reddish to brown markings concentrated around the forewing apex and outer margins.
The underside is remarkably similar to a dry leaf, with mottled brown and ochre colouring, dark veins and irregular lines that break up the outline of the wings.
The leaf-like underside provides effective camouflage when the butterfly rests with its wings closed, while small translucent areas can resemble holes in a damaged leaf.
Seasonal Leafwing
Zaretis ellops
