Diet

• The caterpillars feed primarily on plants in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae).

• Adults feed mainly on rotting fruit and animal dung rather than relying primarily on flower nectar.

Range

• Myscelia cyaniris occurs from Mexico through Central America to northern South America, with populations extending into Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru.

• The species occurs in western Mexico, including Guerrero. The Mexican subspecies M. c. alvaradia was described from Guerrero and is associated with western Mexico.

• It occurs in the Zihua area, where it is associated with tropical woodland and forest habitats.

Habitat

• The Whitened Bluewing is associated with tropical forest, particularly lowland and foothill rainforest and seasonally dry woodland.

• It can be found along forest edges, trails, clearings and areas of secondary vegetation.

• Adults commonly rest on tree trunks, where the brown underside provides excellent camouflage against bark. Males may perch several metres above the ground along forest openings and edges.

Description

• Myscelia cyaniris is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of approximately 60–65 mm.

• The upper surface is predominantly dark brown to black, overlaid with brilliant iridescent blue or violet-blue scales.

• Several contrasting white transverse bands cross the wings. The forewing has additional white spots toward the outer portion, while the hindwing has several white bands and spots.

• The forewing apex has a distinctive angular projection or notch, producing a characteristic pointed appearance.

• The underside is predominantly brown, grey and cream, with irregular mottling that closely resembles the surface of tree bark. The forewing underside retains prominent white patches but lacks the brilliant blue iridescence of the upper surface.

• Females are generally less intensely blue than males. The combination of iridescent blue, white bands and the pointed forewing apex makes the species distinctive among Mexican Myscelia.