Ithomiini species

There are 376 species, confined to the neotropical region. They are unpalatable to birds and are therefore mimicked by other species. This includes other unpalatable species ( Mullerian mimic) and edible (Batesian mimic) species. Birds can remember butterfly wing patterns and so learn to avoid distasteful specimens.

The have long drooping antennae that lack clubs ,slender abdomens and small eyes. The males have androconial scales (which produce pheremones) on the hindwings , which are used during courtship.

They have a slow wing beat and live in the darkest regions of the forest.

There are 2 types of ithomiine.

The first is the Glasswings - transparent or translucent wings with prominent veins and orange tips .

The second are black and orange banded "tigers" often mimicked by other species.

A species may produce adults of both forms depending on location.

It can be difficult to identify the species because so many look similar or produce different colours depending on location or season. Therefore use the hindwing venation to identify genus ,then look at wing patterns for species.

The giant Glasswings (wingspan 90-100mm) includes the Methona and the single Thyridia species.

They can be distinguished by the position of the dark cross bar on the hindwing (Methona lies further from the base) .Thyridia also has shorter antennae