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
Oleria paula
Paula's Clearwing
(Weymer, 1884)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A delicate member of the Ithomiini tribe, characterized by transparent wing patches lacking scales, framed by dark margins with subtle hints of yellow or orange.
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.Oleria
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Weymer, 1884)
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.
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
Found primarily in humid montane forests and cloud forest understories, often in areas with dense vegetation and high humidity.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Strictly diurnal, remaining near the forest floor. They congregate in small groups to rest on leaves or sip moisture from damp soil.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Form communal roosting groups at night, a behavior typical of many Ithomiinae to reduce predation risk.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 on Solanaceae (specifically Solanum species). Adults visit flowers for nectar and often gather mineral salts from animal droppings or wet mud.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Courtship involves male scent-dissemination using hair-pencils on the hindwings to attract females.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
4.5 - 6.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.05 g - 0.15 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.30 - 100
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.
1 - 2 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
7 - 10
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males1 - 2 Months
Females1 - 2 Months
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Wing transparency serves as a primary defense mechanism, making the insect difficult for predators to detect against complex forest backgrounds.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat fragmentation due to localized logging and agricultural encroachment in sensitive mountain ecosystems.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Ithomiine butterflies are known for their slow, graceful flight and are chemically protected by alkaloids sequestered from their host plants.