AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Myscelia cyaniris
Blue Wave Butterfly
(Doubleday, 1848)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A beautiful butterfly characterized by intense, shimmering blue patches on the dorsal wing surface, resembling waves against a black background.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
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.Myscelia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Doubleday, 1848)
Record Completeness
96%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
Inhabits tropical rainforests and humid forest environments, often seen in the understory and clearings from Mexico to South America.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal; primarily inhabits the forest understory, flying low and rapidly between vegetation.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Typically solitary, though males can be aggressive in defending feeding territories.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Frugivore/Saprophage.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Adults feed on decaying fruit and tree sap; larvae feed on plants of the Euphorbiaceae family.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Eggs are deposited on the leaves of the host plant. Mating occurs in shaded forest areas.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
5.0 - 7.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.3 g - 0.9 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.20 - 50
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
2 - 3 Weeks
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
7 - 10
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 4 Months
Females2 - 4 Months
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males have intense blue on their wings and are typically more vibrant.
Females Multi-lang
Females are slightly larger and often have more muted color patterns.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The underside of the wings has a cryptic pattern resembling bark or dead leaves for protection when at rest.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Degradation of primary forest habitats and microclimate changes in the forest floor layers.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They are highly attracted to fermented fruit and are often observed 'puddling' at damp spots in the forest.