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
Ithomia patilla
Patilla Clearwing
Hewitson, 1852
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A delicate clearwing butterfly characterized by large transparent areas on its wings, bordered by fine black lines and orange-brown markings.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Mariposa de cristal patillaPatilla Clearwing
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.Ithomia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Hewitson, 1852
Record Completeness
93%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 humid, shaded understory of tropical forests, especially in mountainous regions of Central America.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal, low-flying, and spends most of its time in the dense, shadowed understory.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary, though they often form mixed-species groups while searching for resources.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nectarivore (adults).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Larvae are specialists on Solanaceae; adults nectar on flowers, frequently selecting those with high-alkaloid nectar.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants; mating involves specific lek behaviors.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
5.0 - 7.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.1 g - 0.5 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.50 - 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.
0 Days
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
5 - 8
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
Transparency in the wings reduces the butterfly's profile, making it much harder for predators to detect them against the forest floor.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation of the high-humidity, cloud-forest ecosystems it relies upon.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Like other Ithomiinae, they sequester toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids from plants, which they use to produce pheromones and provide defense against predators.