Urania fulgens

Walker, 1854

urania swallowtail moth, green page moth

Urania fulgens is a day-flying in the , notable for its iridescent green coloration and swallowtail-like shape. The is highly migratory, with moving through Mexico, Central America, and northwestern South America. It has been recorded as a vagrant to Texas. Mass have been documented, including a significant event observed in Rica in 2005 with Tapantí National Park identified as a possible destination.

UraniaFulgens1 by William Swainson (text). Used under a Public domain license.Urania fulgens MHNT dos by Didier Descouens. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Urania fulgens MHNT ventre by Didier Descouens. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Urania fulgens: //ʊˈreɪniə ˈfʊldʒɛnz//

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Identification

Urania fulgens is distinguished from the similar U. leilus by its distribution west of the Andes (versus east for U. leilus), slightly smaller size, and reduced on the tail. Both have been treated as in some taxonomic treatments. The species exhibits the characteristic iridescent green coloration and swallowtail shape typical of the .

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Habitat

Found in tropical and subtropical forests from lowland to montane elevations. Tapantí National Park in Rica has been identified as a possible destination for migrating .

Distribution

range extends from Veracruz, Mexico through Central America to northwestern South America, west of the Andes and south to Ecuador. Recorded as vagrant to Texas, USA. GBIF records indicate presence in Middle America, North America, and South America with specific localities including Rionegro, Barrancabermeja, and Manizales in Colombia.

Diet

feed exclusively on toxic Omphalea (Euphorbiaceae). A new possible larval was recorded in the 2008 Rican study, though the specific was not identified in available sources.

Host Associations

  • Omphalea - larval exclusive ; toxic plants in Euphorbiaceae

Behavior

Highly migratory; mass observed, including a significant event in Rica in 2005. Both migratory and non-migratory behaviors have been documented. have been observed on moist surfaces to obtain nutrients.

Human Relevance

Featured in museum collections and educational displays due to striking appearance. Subject of ecological research on patterns.

Similar Taxa

  • Urania leilusOverlapping and historical treatment; distinguished by distribution east of Andes, larger size, and more on tail

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Sources and further reading