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
Historis odius
Orion Cecropian
(Fabricius, 1775)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large and robust butterfly with a powerful body. The upperside of the wings is dark brown to blackish with a bold, bright orange or yellowish-orange band stretching across the forewings. The underside is entirely dull greyish-brown with fine dark lines, perfectly resembling a dead or decaying leaf.
Added by
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.Historis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Fabricius, 1775)
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, sub-canopy layers, forest edges, and orchards from sea level up to mid-elevation woodlands. It is frequently observed resting near its larval host tree, Cecropia.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal. Adults spend much of their time high in the forest canopy but descend rapidly to the forest floor to feed on organic matter. They always rest head-downwards on tree trunks with wings tightly closed to exploit their camouflage.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary. Adults fly individually and are highly competitive over feeding sites. Multiple individuals may gather on a single source of rotting fruit, though aggressive wing-flicking occurs to establish dominance.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, Frugivore/Saprophage as adults).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Larvae feed exclusively on Cecropia leaves. Adults process nutrients from decomposing fruits and tree sap. Preyed upon by canopy birds, monkeys, lizards, and large predatory wasps during their larval stages.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Males choose prominent perches high on tree trunks to monitor territory and pursue females. After mating, females fly deep into the sub-canopy to lay large, individual greenish eggs on the undersides of young Cecropia leaves.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
9.5 - 11.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.8 g - 1.8 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 - 80
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).
5 - 8
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 8 Weeks
Females4 - 8 Weeks
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males display slightly smaller wingspans but possess much more intense, vibrant orange bands on the forewings. Their territorial perching behavior is highly conspicuous.
Females Multi-lang
Females are notably larger with broader wings and more rounded margins. The pale orange or yellowish bands on their forewings are typically wider but less saturated than those of the males.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The underside of the wings displays exceptional leaf mimicry (crypsis), featuring lines that simulate leaf veins and spots resembling fungal decay, rendering it invisible when resting on tree trunks.
Equipped with strong thoracic muscles, this species is capable of highly explosive, rapid flight, allowing it to easily outmaneuver avian predators in the dense canopy.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Deforestation and selective logging that targets Cecropia trees, which are absolutely vital for the survival and development of the caterpillars.
Climate change and prolonged droughts affecting tropical humidity, which can lead to desiccation of pupae during the dry season.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unlike most butterflies, adults rarely visit flowers; instead, they feed almost exclusively on the fluids of rotting fruits, fermenting tree sap, and animal dung.