AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Tithorea tarricina
Tigerwing Butterfly
Hewitson, 1858
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The Tithorea tarricina is a slow-flying, elegant butterfly with elongated wings. It presents a disruptive pattern of bright orange, black stripes, and yellow apical spots. This design is iconic in Costa Rican forests, where it acts as a 'mimetic' model for other less toxic species.
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Anonymous Curator
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Arthropoda
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Insecta
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Lepidoptera
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Nymphalidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Tithorea
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Hewitson, 1858
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It inhabits preferably cloud forests and humid jungles at medium elevations, where the understory is dense. It is characteristic of mature ecosystems.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a slow-flying lepidopteran. This low speed is a characteristic of toxic species: they do not need to flee quickly because their warning signal is recognized by avian predators.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally observed solitary or in pairs during courtship. They are very territorial regarding their patches of host plants and nectar.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nectarivore. It feeds mainly on flowers of plants of the Asteraceae family and occasionally on deeper nectar plants.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
They play a crucial role in the pollination of understory flowers. Their larvae exert pressure on host plants, maintaining the balance of vegetation in cloud forest ecosystems.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Females place their eggs carefully on the underside of leaves of plants of the Apocynaceae family. Larval development is slow but steady in the forest humidity.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
7.0 - 9.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.3 g - 0.6 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.40 - 150
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
12 - 18
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 6 Weeks
Females4 - 6 Weeks
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Müllerian mimicry: By possessing toxins sequestered from plants of the Apocynaceae family, its coloration serves as a visual signal for predators to avoid both this species and other toxic butterflies with similar patterns.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Canopy degradation: Climate change and deforestation affect the humidity of the cloud forest, decreasing the microclimates necessary for the survival of its host plants.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Community architects: They are the basis of extraordinary mimetic networks. Their presence indicates high environmental quality in Central American forests due to their dependence on specific host plants.