Callicore
Callicore is a genus of brush-footed butterflies found in the Neotropical region, encompassing Central and South America. They are known for their striking and often colorful wing patterns, typically featuring combinations of iridescent blues, greens, reds, oranges, and yellows. These patterns serve a variety of purposes, including camouflage, mate attraction, and predator deterrence through warning coloration or mimicry.
The butterflies belonging to the Callicore genus are generally medium-sized. Their habitats range from rainforests to cloud forests, and they are often observed flying near forest edges and along streams.
Taxonomically, Callicore belongs to the family Nymphalidae, specifically within the subfamily Biblidinae. There are numerous species within the genus, and ongoing research continues to refine the understanding of their relationships and classification.
The life cycle of Callicore butterflies involves the typical stages of egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. The larval host plants for these butterflies vary depending on the species, often belonging to families such as Sapindaceae and Malpighiaceae.