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Tico Explorers

Nature Field Guide

Julia Butterfly

Spanish name
Mariposa Julia
Scientific name
Dryas iulia

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “Let's look closely at the julia butterfly!”

Tati: “We can compare its shape and markings without touching it.”

Species overview

About the Julia Butterfly

A slender orange butterfly with long wings. Observe flower visits from the path.

Identification

Key Features of the Julia Butterfly

  • Long orange wings

  • narrow dark edging

  • slender body

Habitat & range

Forest paths, edges and nearby vegetation in Guanacaste. Local habitat and abundance vary.

Local observations

Costa Rican references are linked below. Guanacaste is the documented regional starting point; these tags are not a complete national range map.

When to observe

Look during suitable weather. Activity and visibility vary by locality and species.

Conservation & care

Observe without collecting, handling or disturbing insects or nests. Stay on permitted paths. Leave caterpillars and their food plants in place.

Observation activity

Record the date, location and two visible clues. Compare your observation with a verified photograph before naming a species.

Explore by location

Guanacaste · Northern Plains

Related discoveries

Sources & further reading

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