The Angled Leafwing (Fountainea glycerium) is a Neotropical brush-footed butterfly famous for its sharp, leaf-shaped wings that camouflage it as a dead leaf when closed. Its wingspan measures 2 5/16 to 3 3/16 inches (5.9 to 8.1 cm), and it ranges from northern South America through Central America and Mexico, occasionally straying into South Texas.
Identification & Appearance
• Upperside coloration. The upper wings are a vibrant orange with dark margins. This bright flash appears only when the butterfly takes flight and vanishes the moment it lands.
• Underside camouflage. When closed, the mottled brown, tan, or gray underside closely mimics dead leaf litter and tree bark.
• Distinctive wing shape. The forewing features a pointed, indented tip, while the hindwing has an angular, kinked profile that sharpens its dead-leaf illusion.
Habitat & Geographic Range
• Core distribution. This species is native from northern South America through Central America and Mexico.
