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
Euptoieta hegesia
Mexican Silverspot
(Cramer, 1779)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized tropical butterfly with bright, tawny orange wings. The forewings feature fine dark lines and spots along the margins, while the hindwings are notably unmarked and smooth orange on the upper surface. The underside displays a mottled brown and orange camouflage pattern with subdued, reflective silver-white patches.
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.Euptoieta
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Cramer, 1779)
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.
Unknown
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
Thrives in subtropical and tropical lowlands, disturbed fields, second-growth scrublands, roadsides, pastures, and sunny forest edges. It ranges from the southernmost United States (Texas, Arizona) through Mexico and the West Indies down into South America.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal and a highly active low-level flyer. They remain close to the ground, weaving through weeds and low flowers in full sunlight. They rarely fly into the upper forest canopy and actively seek out mud or wet sand for mineral uptake.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Mainly solitary. They move independently through open spaces. While multiple individuals may gather at an exceptionally rich patch of wild nectar plants or mud-puddling areas, they do not exhibit roosting structures or social bonds.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nectarivorous adult, herbivorous larva (folivore).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Larvae feed on leaves of Turneraceae (Turnera) and Passifloraceae (Passiflora). Adults are opportunistic nectarivores, feeding on a wide variety of low-growing flowers like Bidens, Lantana, and various Asteraceae species.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Males fly continuously close to vegetation to seek females. Receptive females are mated quickly, after which they lay tiny, pale green or yellow ribbed eggs singly on host plant leaf surfaces or stems.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
4.5 - 6.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.15 g - 0.35 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 - 120
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.
2 - 4 Days
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
3 - 5
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
The cryptic, mottled pattern on the wing underside acts as exceptional camouflage, resembling a dead leaf when the butterfly closes its wings over its back to rest in shaded undergrowth.
Larvae possess branched black spines along their bodies which physically deter potential predators like ants, wasps, and small birds during vulnerable shedding cycles.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Heavy application of broad-spectrum chemical herbicides along roadsides and agricultural fringes, which eradicates host plants from families Turneraceae and Passifloraceae.
Intense urban sprawl and industrial development that replaces open, sunny scrublands and native wild fields with concrete infrastructures.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unlike most other fritillaries that are restricted to passionflower vines, the Mexican Silverspot is more generalist, frequently using Turnera ulmifolia (Yellow Alder) as its preferred primary host plant.