Hypanartia lethe
Fabricius, 1793
Orange Mapwing, Orange Admiral
Hypanartia lethe is a medium-sized nymphalid commonly known as the orange mapwing or orange admiral. It is recognized by its distinctive wing pattern featuring orange-brown and black markings, with the underside resembling topographic contour lines. The is widespread across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central and South America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hypanartia lethe: //hɪpaˈnartia ˈlɛθɛ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar Hypanartia by the combination of orange-brown and black forewing pattern with blotchy fascia, and the characteristic map-like underside pattern. The two variable-length hindwing tails help separate it from tailless relatives. The orange-brown ground color of the hindwings differs from species with more red or yellow tones.
Images
Appearance
Wingspan 40–50 mm. Forewings black with orange-brown spots and an orange-brown fascia formed by several blotches. Hindwings orange-brown with a row of black marginal spots and a narrow black submarginal strip near the apex. Underside of wings pale brown with an pattern resembling topographic map contour lines. possess two hindwing tails of variable length.
Habitat
Mountainous regions in forest at elevations of 300–1,700 meters above sea level.
Distribution
Widespread from Texas (USA) through Mexico, Central America, and South America to Peru, Trinidad, Venezuela, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. Present in North America.
Diet
Larvae feed on plants in the Phenax, Boehmeria, Celtis, Sponia, and Trema micrantha.
Host Associations
- Phenax - larval food plant
- Boehmeria - larval food plant
- Celtis - larval food plant
- Sponia - larval food plant
- Trema micrantha - larval food plant
Similar Taxa
- Hypanartia dioneSimilar orange and black patterning, but differs in wing shape and underside pattern details
- Hypanartia bellaOverlapping range and similar size, but has more extensive black markings on hindwings
More Details
Etymology
The 'orange mapwing' refers to the underside wing pattern resembling topographic map contour lines.
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Papilio lethe by Fabricius in 1793, later transferred to Hypanartia.