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
Anartia jatrophae
White Peacock
(Linnaeus, 1763)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized butterfly with a distinct pale white to light cream background color on its wings. It features dark brown to blackish margins, prominent eyespots (ocelli) on both the forewings and hindwings, and subtle orange or yellowish markings along the edges.
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.Anartia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1763)
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
Thrives in open, sunny, and disturbed areas including fields, pastures, parks, gardens, and along the margins of wetlands, ponds, or roadside ditches where host plants are abundant.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal. Adults fly low to the ground with a rapid, fluttering pattern interspersed with short glides. They spend considerable time basking in full sunlight with wings fully open to regulate body temperature.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary insects. They gather loosely around rich nectar sources or abundant host plants, but do not exhibit colonial behavior, and interactions between males are aggressive.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Herbivore (Folivore as larvae, Nectarivore as adults).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Caterpillars feed exclusively on the foliage of host plants (e.g., Acanthaceae and Verbenaceae). Adults feed primarily on flower nectar from various low-growing herbs. Preyed upon by birds, lizards, spiders, and dragonflies.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Males secure territories on sunny perches during the warmest hours of the day to intercept passing females. After mating, females lay small, pale green eggs singly on the underside of host plant leaves.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
4.5 - 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.20 - 100
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 - 3 Days
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
3 - 7
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 4 Weeks
Females2 - 4 Weeks
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are slightly smaller in wingspan and exhibit narrower, more pointed forewing apexes compared to females. They display more persistent perching and patrolling behavior.
Females Multi-lang
Females possess a larger wingspan with more rounded wing profiles. Their abdominal region is visibly broader and thicker due to egg development.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The prominent eyespots on the wings mimic the eyes of larger animals, successfully startling or deflecting attacks from avian predators towards less vital parts of the body.
Caterpillars possess branched spines along their bodies, acting as a structural deterrent against parasitoid wasps and insectivorous predators.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Widespread use of domestic and agricultural chemical pesticides, which directly kills both caterpillars and adult butterflies.
Intensive mowing and urbanization that removes wild host plants like Ruellia, Phyla nodiflora, and Jatropha species.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Males are highly territorial and will actively chase away other males, insects, and even small birds or shadows that breach their sunny perch area.