Memphis basilia


Memphis basilia is a species of leafwing found in South America.

Subspecies

  • Memphis basilia basilia; present in Suriname.
  • Memphis basilia bella ; present in Colombia.
  • Memphis basilia drucei ; present in Peru.
It is also found in Guyana.

Description

Memphis basilia is a butterfly with forewings with a humped costal edge, pointed apex, concave outer edge near the apex, concave inner edge and hind wings each with a tail. The upper side of the male's wings is dark blue with a discreet basal metallic blue suffusion and on the forewings a few blue spots near the apex, the female's is light brown with a mauve basal part. The underside is bright orange mottled with pearly white and simulates a dead leaf.