Red-bordered Pixie
ExploreInsects
Red-bordered Pixie
Melanis pixe
The Red-bordered Pixie is a small, colorful butterfly with bright red edges on its wings. It flutters around gardens and meadows, bringing joy to everyone who sees it.
Habitat: Meadows
Appearance
The Red-bordered Pixie is a small butterfly with dark blackish-brown wings distinctly outlined by a vibrant band of fiery orange or red along the outer edges. Its dark body may also exhibit metallic bluish-green scales, especially on the underside, making it visually unique.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusMelanis
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Before fluttering, they spend time as spiky caterpillars munching on specific vines.
Some 'metalmark' butterflies get their name from shiny, reflective spots on their wings.
These butterflies taste with their feet to decide if a plant is tasty for laying eggs!
They prefer the shady parts of tropical forests, unlike many other sun-loving butterflies.
Special abilities
Ability
Warning Colors
Its vivid wing borders can signal danger to predators, helping them avoid being eaten by watchful birds.
Ability
Agile Flight
The Red-bordered Pixie can dart quickly through vegetation, making it hard for predators to catch because of its agile flight.
Ability
Nectar Sipper
It has a coiled proboscis to sip nectar efficiently, helping them access sweet liquid deep inside various flowers.
Ability
Forest Camouflage
Their intricate wing patterns allow them to blend into the dappled light of the forest, helping them hide from hungry eyes.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-40 mm
- Size
- 10-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-21 days
- Flight Speed
- 5-10 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult Red-bordered Pixies drink flower nectar and fruit juices, while their caterpillars eat plant leaves.
Age differences: Young caterpillars consume specific plant leaves, while adult butterflies primarily seek out nectar and fermenting fruit.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Fruit juices
- Passionflower leaves
- Plant sap
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Passion Fruit Vine
Passiflora edulis
Caterpillars feed on its leaves.
eaten by
Barred Antshrike
Thamnophilus doliatus
This bird preys on adult butterflies.
pollinates
Lantana Flower
Lantana camara
Adults visit its flowers for nectar.
eaten by
Brown Anole
Anolis sagrei
Lizards often snatch resting butterflies.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be gentle and watch butterflies from a distance so they feel safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Red-bordered Pixie's wingspan?
25-40 mm
How big is Red-bordered Pixie?
10-20 mm
How long does Red-bordered Pixie live?
7-21 days
How fast can Red-bordered Pixie fly?
5-10 km/h
What does Red-bordered Pixie eat?
Adult Red-bordered Pixies drink flower nectar and fruit juices, while their caterpillars eat plant leaves.
Where is Red-bordered Pixie usually found?
Meadows
How does Red-bordered Pixie hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Red-bordered Pixie have?
6
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