Sapho Butterfly

Description:

Distinguished from its comimic cydno by the forewing white patch, which has a narrow, tooth shaped extension on vein M3; underside has red at the base at both wings and no reddish discal bands. Compare with H. Cydno and Eurytides pausanias.

Habitat:

Restricted to the Atlantic Slope (but available in Monteverde nearby the continental divide), from sea level to 500m. This rare species flies only in the shaded understory and subcanopy Very seldom seen at Psiguria or other flowers. Live specimens have a sweet, ambrosial smell that it's emitted from the abdominal glands and serves as an excellent field character to separate it from H. Cydno.

Notes:

Forewing aprox length: 38 to 42mm Hostplant: Passiflora pittieri