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.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Dryas iulia
Julia butterfly
Fabricius, 1775
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Butterfly with elongated wings and intense orange color with dark veins, very common in tropical and subtropical areas of America.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
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.Dryas
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Fabricius, 1775
Record Completeness
92%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 a wide variety of environments, from open jungles and clearings to urban gardens and parks.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal; frequents Lantana flowers and other nectar-rich species.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Moderate gregarious behavior when sleeping; can form groups in shelters.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Actively seeks nectar during hours of highest sunshine.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Larvae specialized in feeding on Passiflora (passion fruit and relatives).Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Complete metamorphosis; complex aerial courtship.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
6.0 - 9.0 cm
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.100 - 300
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.
--
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.
Males--
Females--
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Generally darker and with more defined markings.
Females Multi-lang
Generally slightly paler colors.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Fast and erratic flight: Its elongated wings allow it to maneuver with great agility to escape predators.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat loss and forest fragmentation reducing the availability of Passiflora host plants.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Julia butterflies are known for practicing 'puddling', where they drink mineral salts from water puddles or even from the tears of turtles and caimans.