Diaethria Marchalii

This beautiful butterfly is most commonly encountered near human habitations, where it is a familiar sight to see individuals perched head down on buildings. Its association with human habitation is most likely due to the fact the host plant is a common secondary-succession tree species with a very wide distribution in Costa Rica. Although the butterfly is widespread and common in Costa Rica, away from human habitations it is found as solitary individuals and never with the great abundance seen in other species. Both sexes feed on the juices of rotting fruits and sewage, and the males visit water seepage and wet laundry. Its closely related cousin Callicore pitheas or “pura vida” butterfly is often seen here at Mariposario Montezuma Gardens.