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
Anartia fatima
Banded Peacock
Fabricius, 1793
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The Anartia fatima is a medium-sized butterfly with a distinctive wing pattern. Its dorsal wings are dark brown or black, crossed by a transverse white band and accented with bright red or orange spots. Its design is bold, seeking to confuse predators during its fast and changing flight.
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Anonymous Curator
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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.Anartia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Fabricius, 1793
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 is commonly found in open areas, forest clearings, gardens, and roadsides from Texas to Costa Rica and northern South America. It is an opportunistic species that thrives in disturbed ecosystems.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It has active territorial behavior. Males usually perch in sunny and visible spots, fiercely chasing any other intruder (even of other species) that approaches their patrol zone.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary individuals are observed patrolling, but they can form small groups near abundant flower sources during peak sunny hours.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nectarivore. Its diet consists of nectar from flowers of Ruellia, Lantana, and other Asteraceae common in its range.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
It is an important link in the food chain as a primary consumer of nectar and, in turn, as prey for spiders, praying mantises, and small birds that inhabit gardens.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Females place their eggs individually on the underside of Ruellia leaves. The larvae are solitary and show branched spines for their defense.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
5.0 - 6.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.3 g - 0.7 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.30 - 100
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).
8 - 12
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 4 Weeks
Females2 - 4 Weeks
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Erratic flight: The alternation of rapid wingbeats and short glides makes it difficult for insectivorous birds to track its trajectory, drastically reducing capture success rates.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat loss: Although it is opportunistic, extreme deforestation reduces the availability of host plants such as Ruellia species.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Urban adaptation: It is one of the few butterflies that has successfully adapted to live in suburban gardens, being a frequent visitor of ornamental plants.