Colobura dirce is widely distributed in the Neotropics: from central Mexico to Argentina and in the Greater Antilles. This species occurs in primary and secondary tropical forests, and in orchards at 0-1,400 m (usually below 800 m). Wingspan 70-80 mm. The upperside is dark brown, with a creamy-white diagonal band across the forewing; the underwing has a contrasting, striped pattern. The adults obtain nutrients from fermenting fruit and tree sap; they are attracted to human sweat. The larva feeds on leaves of Cecropia spp. (Urticaceae). Mating at night (shown below) may reduce predation by birds.

		D43878 Dirce Beauty (Colobura dirce dirce), mating Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserve
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