Anartia fatima

Family

Nymphalidae

Genus

Anartia

Specie

fatima

Forewing Length

27-30 mm

Range

Southern United States through Central America to eastern Panama.

Host Plant

Blechum, Justicia, Dicliptera, Ruellia (Acanthaceae).

Pupa Stage

Approximately 7-8 days.

Pupa Description

Translucent jade green, spindle shaped and without protuberances, and a few dark spots.

Adults Description

Distinguished by the white or cream bands traversing both wings on the upperside.

Habits Description

Occurs from sea level to 1,500 m. In extensive tracts of forest it occurs as small populations in landslipsor along riparian edges, suggesting that individuals may disperse over long distances. Both sexes are active throughout the day, and visit a great variety of second growth flowers while there is direct sunshine. The males perch on low vegetation and, from late morning until early afternoon, chase other males and females. The females oviposit with greatest frequency during midday, but will lay eggs from late morning until early afternoon if they have direct sunshine. This species is often found with bird and lizard beak marks, and also forms the diet of a great many anthropod predators in second-growth areas.