19-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - RUSTY TIP PAGE BUTTERFLY (Siproeta epaphus)

Siproeta epaphus, the rusty-tipped page or brown siproeta,[1] is a New World butterfly that lives all year in tropical habitats. It has large wings, averaging 7.0–7.5 cm (2.8–3.0 in),[1] that are black in the inner portion of the top surface and brown throughout the underside. Both surfaces have a bold white transverse stripe continuing across both wings. The outer portion of the forewings, beyond the white stripe, is rusty orange in the widespread subspecies S. epaphus epaphus; it is mostly or entirely black in the other two subspecies. S. epaphus is found throughout Central America, where it is one of the most common butterflies. Its range extends from southern North America to central South America. The range includes (though may not be limited to) south Texas and rarely southern New Mexico south through both eastern and western Mexico to the Guyanas, Brazil, Bolivia and Peru.

Adults can be found nectaring on a variety of flowers including Lantana, Croton, Impatiens and Stachytrapheta. They are also known to feed on rotting fruit.

Siproeta is currently unknown. In Greek mythology Epaphus is the son of Zeus and Io who founded the city of Memphis in Egypt.

The Rusty Tip is found in wet subtropical forests, especially along the forest edge and river banks.

Females patrol the forest edge looking for young plants to oviposit on. Eggs are laid in loose clusters and when the caterpillar hatches out they feed on the fresh leaves until they pupate.

Adult Rusty Tip butterflies can be found all year round in tropical areas.

While they are not considered to be a native of the Unitied States there have been a couple of reports of strays that made their way into the border states. The Malachite (Siprotea stelenes) and the Rusty Tip are closely related and while the adults look fairly different their chrysilides look almost the same.