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
Melinaea lilis
Lilis Tigerwing
(Doubleday, 1847)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A butterfly species belonging to the Danainae subfamily. It is known for its elongated wings with vibrant orange, black, and yellow warning patterns, mimicking toxic butterfly species to deter predators.
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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.Melinaea
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Doubleday, 1847)
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 primary and secondary tropical rainforests, cloud forests, and edges of humid forests at low to mid-elevations.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal activity; they are often seen flying slowly along forest trails or in clearings. They rely on their warning coloration to avoid being attacked.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary, but adults may congregate at nutrient-rich sources like fermenting fruits or specific nectar plants.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Adult: Nectarivore; Larva: Herbivore (Folivore).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Larvae feed exclusively on plants in the family Solanaceae. Adults primarily feed on nectar from flowers, especially those in the Asteraceae family.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Males exhibit territorial behavior and use specialized scent structures (andropromia) to attract females.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
6.0 - 8.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.1 g - 0.3 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 - 200
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.
1 - 2 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
7 - 14
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 are slightly smaller with more pronounced wing coloration and specialized androconial patches on the wings.
Females Multi-lang
Females are generally larger with broader, more rounded wings, optimized for carrying eggs.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Utilizes Mullerian mimicry, where it resembles other unpalatable species to increase survival rates against predators.
Larvae sequester chemical compounds (alkaloids) from host plants (Solanaceae family) to become toxic to vertebrates.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Deforestation and loss of primary forest habitats due to agricultural expansion and urban development.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
These butterflies are long-lived compared to other species, often surviving for several months as adults.