About Blood-red Cymothoe
A strikingly sexually dimorphic butterfly where males are vivid blood-red and females are brown with white bands. It is one of the most recognizable butterflies in Central African forests. Flight is relatively slow and gliding.
Did You Know?
The blood-red coloration of males is so vivid that early European explorers initially mistook them for a different species from the brown females.
How to Identify Blood-red Cymothoe
Blood-red Cymothoe (Cymothoe sangaris) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Nymphalidae. Adults typically measure 55-70 mm wingspan.
Blood-red Cymothoe Habitat
Blood-red Cymothoe is found in forests habitats, particularly across Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DRC). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Blood-red Cymothoe Diet and Feeding
Blood-red Cymothoe is a blood-feeding species that obtains nutrients by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, or other animals. Blood feeders have specialised mouthparts adapted for piercing skin.
Where Is Blood-red Cymothoe Found?
Blood-red Cymothoe can be found in Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DRC), where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Blood-red Cymothoe can be found
Is Blood-red Cymothoe Dangerous?
Blood-red Cymothoe is a blood-feeding insect that bites humans and animals to obtain a blood meal. Bites can cause irritation, itching, and in some cases allergic reactions. Some blood-feeding insects are known to transmit diseases, so precautions should be taken to avoid bites.
Blood-red Cymothoe Role in Nature
Blood-red Cymothoe plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Blood-red Cymothoe are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Blood-red Cymothoe
What does Blood-red Cymothoe look like?
The Blood-red Cymothoe typically measures 55-70 mm wingspan.
Where is Blood-red Cymothoe found?
The Blood-red Cymothoe is found in Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DRC) and typically inhabits forests environments.
What does Blood-red Cymothoe eat?
The Blood-red Cymothoe feeds on the blood of mammals, birds, or other animals.
Is Blood-red Cymothoe dangerous to humans?
The Blood-red Cymothoe is a blood-feeding insect that bites humans and animals. Some blood feeders can transmit diseases. Take precautions to avoid bites.
What is an interesting fact about Blood-red Cymothoe?
The blood-red coloration of males is so vivid that early European explorers initially mistook them for a different species from the brown females.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Blood-red Cymothoe (Cymothoe sangaris). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/blood-red-cymothoe
MLA:
"Blood-red Cymothoe." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/blood-red-cymothoe.