Blue-frosted Banner Butterfly

blue frosted banner PEI

Common Name: Blue-frosted Banner

Scientific Name: Catonephele Numilia

Wingspan: 65-80mm

Location: Central and South America

The butterflies are usually encountered singly. Males perch on tree trunks and rock faces, often in a head-downwards posture. They also bask on foliage or on fallen branches in light gaps, often less than a metre above ground level, and are reminiscent in behaviour of Nessaea. Males often imbibe mineral-rich moisture from damp earth along forest tracks and roads. If alarmed they fly up and spend a few moments circling cautiously, but soon resettle close to their original position. Females are scarcer, and usually seen when searching for oviposition sites along forest trails. They can occasionally be seen basking on sunlit paths.

blue frosted banner