Blue Wave Butterfly Myscelia cyaniris

The Blue Wave Butterfly, also called the Blue-banded Purplewing and the Tropical Blue Wave, is native to Central America and northern South America. Depending on the angle of the light, it can appear dark brown with pale blue or white bands and spots or the brown background can take on a beautiful iridescent royal blue.

Other Myscelia species. such as the Mexican Blue Wing (Myscelia ethusa), also exhibit iridescent blue banding in different patterns.

The underside is far less showy - to give camouflage like a dead leaf.