Dysschema tricolora (Sulzer, 1776)

Fig. 2 F

Remarks.

Males and females are sexually dimorphic for wing patterns. Females show an aposematic pattern similar to that of butterflies of the genus Parides (Papilionidae; see for example Aiello and Brown 1988) and chromatic variation for the semi-hyaline macules on the forewings, forming clinal variation in which several forms are still recognized as valid species. The study of large series is needed to confirm the validity of these forms as distinct species or synonyms. Males have a semi-hyaline wing pattern, with little chromatic variation. Wing pattern suggests that this species participates in clearwing mimicry rings, including many species of Ithomiini (Nymphalidae) and other putative batesian mimics in the families Pieridae (e. g. Dismorphia theucharila), Riodinidae (e. g. Ithomeis spp. and Ithomiola spp.) and several other day flying moths. Both male and female genitalia have asymmetric structures, which is unusual for Dysschema species.

Material examined.

1 female, Colombia.