Zaretis itys, the skeletonized leafwing or leaf wing butterfly, is a Neotropical nymphalid butterfly genus in the subfamily Charaxinae.

Zaretis itys
Upperside, from Brazil
Underside
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Genus: Zaretis
Species:
Z. itys
Binomial name
Zaretis itys
(Cramer, [1777])
Synonyms
  • Papilio itys Cramer, [1777]
  • Anaea itys
  • Siderone itys itylus Westwood, 1850
  • Zaretes pseuditys Fruhstorfer, 1909

Subspecies

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  • Zaretis itys itys - Surinam
  • Zaretis itys itylus (Westwood, 1850) - Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo)

Description

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Zaretis itys has a wingspan of about 55–60 millimetres (2.2–2.4 in). The upperside of both wings is dull orange. The underside of the wings simulates dried leaves in colour and pattern. The ground colour is usually earthy brown.[1]

Biology

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Caterpillars feed on leaves of Casearia and Laetia species (Salicaceae). They usually bind their droppings together with silk as protection from ants.

Distribution

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This species can be found from Mexico to the Guyanas, Paraguay, Suriname and Brazil.[1][2]

Bibliography

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References

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