Butterfly Article

Catonephele orites

 
Scientific Name: Catonephele orites
Common Name: The Surinamese Shoemaker
Native Location: Surinam and Brazil
Host Plant: Alchomea costaricensis
Description: Vibrant and rich is how to describe the velvety black and orange coloration of this butterfly. The females look quite different; black with smaller orange spots and white stripes. There are many butterflies that are sexually dimorphic, meaning the males and females look different. This particular species is perhaps among the most striking. They are small, perhaps 1.5 inches across, but they act as if they were a foot long!

<i>Catonephele orites</i>  <i>Catonephele orites</i>, female