Diet

• Caterpillars feed primarily on palms (Arecaceae).

• The larvae consume the leaflets and can cause substantial defoliation where populations become concentrated.

• Eggs are generally laid singly on the underside of palm leaflets.

• Adults feed on fermenting fruit, tree sap, and other sugary liquids rather than relying primarily on flower nectar.

Range

• The Opsiphanes cassina complex extends from Mexico through Central America and into northern and western South America.

• Guerrero is within the documented Mexican range, and it occurs in the Zihua area.

Habitat

• Found in tropical and subtropical forest, forest edges, secondary growth, plantations, gardens, and other habitats containing palms.

• It occurs from sea level to approximately 1,400 metres.

• In the Zihua area it is most likely in lowland tropical vegetation, particularly where native or cultivated palms are abundant.

• Adults are often encountered around palms and may fly rapidly through shaded vegetation before settling beneath leaves.

Description

• A large, robust member of the brush-footed butterfly family, with a wingspan generally around 70–85 mm.

• The upper wings are predominantly dark brown, crossed by prominent orange to yellow-orange bands. The arrangement of these bands gives the species its common name.

• The underside is cryptically mottled brown and tan, with several conspicuous eyespots that resemble markings on a dead leaf.

• The forewings are broad and rounded, while the hindwings are rounded and somewhat scalloped.

• Caterpillars are bright green, with longitudinal markings and distinctive paired, forked projections at the rear of the body.

• Adults are often crepuscular or active in shaded conditions and can be difficult to see when resting beneath palm foliage.