Anartia amathea (Linnaeus, 1758) Scarlet Peacock |
Synonyms: Brown Peacock |
Anartia amathea is found in the Neotropics: from Panama to Argentina and northern Chile, in the southern Lesser Antilles, and Trinidad and Tobago. This species is common in disturbed habitats such as forest clearings, fields and pastures, but also occurs along riverbanks in primary forest; from sea level to 1,600 m. The caterpillar likely feeds on the leaves of Acanthaceae and Labiatae.
This species is sexually dimorphic. Male has bright red wing patches (“Scarlet Peacock”), whereas in female these patches and orange or tan (“Brown Peacock”). Three subspecies are recognized; the nominate Anartia amathea amathea is illustrated on this page.