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Myscelia cyaniris
The Blue Wave, Blue-banded Purplewing, Tropical Blue Wave, Whitened Bluewing, or Royal Blue (Myscelia cyaniris) is a butterfly of the Nymphalidae family. The length of the forewings reaches about 34–36 millimetres (1.3–1.4 in). The dorsal sides of the upperwings are bright blue with white transversal bands and white spots. The sapphire blue of the upper wings may appear black or neon blue depending on how the light is reflected. The under sides of the hind wings have a cryptic coloration as they are mottled with different shades of color, varying from gray to brown, while the under sides of the fore wings are black with white patches. Adults usually feed on rotting fruit and animal dung.
It is found from sea level to 700 m (2,300 ft) on the Atlantic slopes and is associated with rain forest habitats.
This was the first one of these butterflies I saw on this trip. It was in an ecological center in San Jose, Costa Rica. Later, in the north, I saw many in the wild.
Ryan, yes I know what you mean... I usually put them in the notes as possibilities till the experts check them. Not a very good track record I am afraid. Mostly seem to get them wrong!
Glad to be of help, I always worry I will come off as a jerk when I make these suggestions.
Wow, thanks for that Ryan... I thought it didn't look quite right, but couldn't see anything else. I stand corrected and will change it.
Myscelia ethusa has blue stripes on a black field where Myscelia cyaniris has white stirpes on a iridescent blue field as we see here plus cyaniris is lighter on the outside with a more promient hook at the tips of the wings compared to ethusa here: http://butterfliesofamerica.com/myscelia...
Spotted on Jul 26, 2013
Submitted on Aug 30, 2013
