Diet

• Adults feed primarily on rotting fruit, tree sap, fermenting plant material, and other sources of sugary fluids, rather than regularly visiting flowers.

• The caterpillars feed on plants in the laurel family (Lauraceae).

• Females place eggs singly on young leaves or shoots, and the caterpillar develops on the host plant while remaining relatively inconspicuous.

Range

• The Tiger-striped Leafwing has a broad Neotropical distribution extending from Mexico through Central America into northern and central South America, reaching as far south as Brazil and Bolivia.

• It is an occasional butterfly in the Zihua area, particularly in forested habitats where suitable larval host trees occur.

Habitat

• It inhabits tropical and subtropical forest, forest edges, secondary woodland, river valleys, and areas of regenerating vegetation.

• Adults often remain within or close to forest and spend much of their time perched on tree trunks or foliage.

• When disturbed, they make a rapid, powerful flight and may disappear into the surrounding vegetation before settling again.

Description

• A large butterfly with a wingspan of approximately 60–75 mm.

• The upper surface is predominantly dark brown, crossed by a series of bold orange to reddish-orange bands and spots.

• The forewings have several prominent orange markings, while the hindwings are mostly dark with an orange-red transverse band.

• The underside is dramatically different, resembling dead or dried leaves. It is mottled brown and gray, with irregular lines and patches that break up the outline of the wings.

• The combination of bright tiger-like banding on the upper surface and cryptic leaf-like coloration beneath is characteristic of the genus Consul.