The Tarricina Longwing, Tithorea tarricina

This relatively uncommon species can be found in Central and South America. The dorsal surface of the forewings is black with white spots, while the hindwings are orange edged with black. The underside is the same, only lighter with small white spots along the edges. Wingspan measures 7 – 8 cm.

The chrysalis of the Tarricina butterfly is well known because it is one of the only butterfly chrysalides that appears to be pure gold. Visitors can look up close at the marvelous Tarricina chrysalis in the Butterfly Emergence Window in the Conservatory.