Introduction
The tribe Coeini comprises 6 genera – Colobura, Baeotus, Historis, Pycina, Smyrna and Tigridia.
There are 2 species in the genus Smyrna, namely karwinskii which is found in Mexico, and the more widespread blomfildia which is distributed from Mexico to Bolivia.
Habitats
This species is found in primary and secondary forest at altitudes between sea level and 1200m.
Lifecycle
The eggs are pale green and laid singly on the larval foodplant Urrera (Urticaceae). The larvae are black, with a bright orange head, and are heavily armed with white spines along the back and sides.
Adult behaviour
Males of Smyrna blomfildia are often seen in aggregations of a dozen or more, imbibing mineralised moisture from rocky overhangs, stone walls, or tree boughs. They also visit fallen fruit on the forest floor, or in orchards.
When resting or feeding the butterflies usually keep their wings closed, but if disturbed they will flick them half-open momentarily. They are not nervous in disposition however, and in the presence of human intruders they will continue feeding long after most other species have fled.
In common with their relatives in the genera Colobura and Tigridia, they roost overnight on tree trunks, on which they are superbly camouflaged.
