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Four-spotted Sailor

Four-spotted Sailor

Dynamine postverta

A species of Sailors, Also known as Mylitta Greenwing

Dynamine postverta, the Mylitta greenwing or four-spot sailor, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is found throughout most tropical and subtropical areas of Central and South America, from Mexico south to Argentina and Paraguay. The habitat includes primary rainforests, humid deciduous woodlands, scrubby grassland and farmland at altitudes up to about 900 metres. The larvae feed on Dalechampia species. They are slug like, with tiny rosettes of spines on the back.

General Info About Four-spotted Sailor
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Attributes of Four-spotted Sailor
Colors
Brown
Black
Green
White
Habitat
primary rainforest; humid deciduous woodland; scrubby grassland; farmland
Adult Food Sources
Asteraceae species' nectar, lamiaceae species' nectar, fabaceae species' nectar, verbenaceae species' nectar, acanthaceae species' nectar
Larva Food Source
Passiflora suberosa (corky-stemmed passion flower), passiflora foetida (stinking passion flower), passiflora edulis (edible passion fruit), passiflora trifasciata, passiflora alata
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Four-spotted Sailor
Widely distributed
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Predators of Four-spotted Sailor Larvae
Birds, spiders, wasps, ants
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Predators of Adult Four-spotted Sailor
Birds, spiders, mantis, small mammals, lizards
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Interesting Facts About Four-spotted Sailor
Four-spotted Sailor have unique thermoregulatory behavior, often shivering to warm their muscles before taking flight in the cooler hours of dawn.
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Scientific Classification of Four-spotted Sailor
Tips for Finding Four-spotted Sailor
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How Can You Attract Four-spotted Sailor
For butterflies like four-spotted Sailor, natural nectar-producing plants or artificial nectar substitutes can be used as bait.
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Habitat Preferences of Four-spotted Sailor Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of four-spotted Sailor are often laid on host plants located in shaded areas. As larvae, four-spotted Sailor can be found feeding on these hosts, commonly in tropical rainforest habitats where they can be spotted on the underside of leaves. The pupae typically hang from leaves or twigs in more concealed parts of the vegetation. To search for them, one must patiently examine the host plants and surrounding vegetation, paying close attention to the undersides of leaves and branches where they might blend in. Adults are usually seen flying around flowers and sunlit openings within these forests, so looking for four-spotted Sailor in these places, especially when the flowers are in bloom, is advisable.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Four-spotted Sailor
The ideal time to find adult four-spotted Sailor is during warm, sunny days when they are most active, typically in the late morning or early afternoon.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Four-spotted Sailor
Warm, sunny weather without strong winds is most suitable for finding four-spotted Sailor, as this type of weather encourages flight and foraging activity.
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How and Where Can You Find Four-spotted Sailor at Different Life Stages
Egg Four-spotted Sailor eggs are typically laid on the underside of host plants’ leaves. To find them, carefully inspect the chosen plants, looking for small, often ovate or spherical structures attached to leaves or stems.
Larva Four-spotted Sailor larvae, or caterpillars, can be found feeding on the leaves of host plants. Search for signs of feeding such as holes in the leaves, and look for the caterpillars themselves, which may have distinctive patterns or colors that camouflage with the vegetation.
Pupal Four-spotted Sailor chrysalides or pupae are generally attached to the host plant or nearby structures. To locate them, look for small, often camouflaged, pod-like structures on plant stems, leaves, or even hidden among litter on the ground.
Adult Adult four-spotted Sailor are typically found in areas with abundant floral resources. Search for these butterflies basking in the sun on flowers or fluttering between nectar sources. They are often easier to spot when they are feeding or resting on flowers.
Are Four-spotted Sailor harmful?
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Are Four-spotted Sailor harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Four-spotted Sailor
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color
Four-spotted Sailor flutters from bloom to bloom, primarily lured by vivid colors. While searching for nectar, it inadvertently picks up pollen on its body. Without intending to assist in pollination, four-spotted Sailor plays a crucial role in the life cycle of many plants.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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