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
Philaethria dido
Scarce Bamboo Page
(Linnaeus, 1763)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large, magnificent butterfly characterized by elongated, narrow black wings brilliantly inset with translucent, vibrant green or yellowish-green panels. The underside mirrors this pattern but features soft, greyish-brown borders and intricate silvery-white accents.
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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.Philaethria
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1763)
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
Inhabits the high canopy of primary tropical rainforests and humid lowland environments, stretching from Mexico through Central America and deep into the Amazon Basin of South America. It rarely descends far below the treetops.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal. They feature a fast, powerful, gliding flight high above forest clearings. They are excellent gliders that ride thermal wind currents above the canopy, moving downwards into understory layers only during mid-morning to search for resources.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary flyers that operate at low density across the vast forest ceiling. Unlike other Heliconiines, they are less prone to large communal overnight roosts, preferring to rest individually under large canopy leaves.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
Caterpillars are highly specialized herbivores feeding on structural forest vines like Passiflora ambigua and Passiflora vitifolia. Adults feed high up on nectar from canopy trees and vine flowers (Cissus, Gurania). Highly toxic to most generalist forest birds.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Females carefully select expansive passionflower vines located in sun-lit gaps within the high canopy, depositing singular elongated, greenish-white or yellowish eggs on mature leaves or new tendril growths.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
7.5 - 9.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.25 g - 0.55 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 - 50
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.
4 - 7 Days
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
4 - 6
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 5 Months
Females3 - 5 Months
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The translucent green wing panels filter sunlight seamlessly, allowing the butterfly to blend perfectly into the dappled light and shimmering green leaves of the high forest canopy.
As a mimic of Malachite butterflies (Siproeta stelenes), it takes advantage of widespread aposematic avoidance strategies, while producing its own cyanogenic protective toxins derived from passionflower hosts.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Extensive logging and clear-cutting of dense primary rainforest canopies which eliminates their structural habitat and high-altitude flight paths.
The reduction of giant tropical lianas and Passiflora vines in managed or fragmented forests, restricting suitable egg-laying locations.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Despite spending most of their lives soaring out of reach in the high canopy, males will occasionally swoop all the way down to riverbeds to pump mineral-rich moisture from damp sand.