Tropical milkweed butterfly

Family: Nymphs (Nymphalidae)

Distribution: From Peru to the Caribbean and Mexico

Wingspan: Approx 7.5 - 9 cm

Host plant: Plants of the Apocynaceae family, especially Ficus species

Lycorea halia, also called Tropical milkweed butterfly or Tiger Mimic-Queen, is a medium-sized and colorful butterfly found in Central and South America, from Mexico to the Amazon. The butterfly has yellow-orange wings with black ribs and the edges are marked with black bands and white dots. The pattern resembles several poisonous species, which is an example of Müllerian mimicry, where several poisonous species resemble each other for increased protection.