This is an eye-catching representative of the family Nymphalidae distinguished by its elegant and peculiar wing architecture. It boasts a wingspan measuring between 70 and 95 millimeters, featuring prominent, dagger-like tails protruding from the outer margins of its hindwings. The dorsal surface of the wings is a brilliant, fiery orange-rufous shade, bisected by three dark, slender parallel lines that run vertically across both wings. Conversely, the ventral side presents an extraordinary case of crypsis, closely resembling a dead leaf with its drab brownish-tan and gray hues, divided by a straight dark line that mimics a leaf´s midrib. Females are generally larger and show slightly more muted coloration than their male counterparts.

Geographical distribution: It is widely distributed across the Americas, ranging from the southern region of the United States (most notably in southern Florida and the Rio Grande Valley in Texas), extending southward through Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and across tropical South America to Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina.

Habitat: This lepidopteran primarily inhabits tropical rainforests, subtropical deciduous woodlands, forest edges, riparian corridors, and secondary growth areas. It is also frequently spotted in suburban gardens and parks where its host trees are cultivated. Its elevational range spans from sea level up to approximately 1,500 meters, utilizing both the high forest canopy and lower understory levels.

Feeding: Adults are generalist liquid feeders that frequently visit various nectar sources, showing a preference for blossoms of Cordia, Lantana, and Casearia. They are also highly attracted to decaying fruit, wet dung, and carrion from which they extract vital nutrients. Males are well-known for gathering on damp sand or riverbanks to engage in mud-puddling, absorbing essential minerals and sodium. The caterpillars are highly specialized herbivores, feeding strictly on the foliage of trees in the Moraceae family, particularly wild fig trees of the genus Ficus, including the native strangler fig (Ficus aurea).

Behavior: It exhibits a rapid, powerful, and erratic flight pattern, often soaring high above the canopy. Males are highly territorial, selecting specific sunny perches on leaves or branches to survey their territory and chase away rivals. When resting, it possesses the peculiar habit of perching flat on the underside of leaves with its wings spread wide, or remaining completely motionless with closed wings to blend seamlessly with surrounding leaf litter.

Reproduction: The lifecycle begins when the female oviposits single, ribbed eggs on the tender new leaves or buds of a suitable host plant. Upon hatching, the larvae undergo several instars; mature caterpillars are strikingly adorned with alternating bands of yellow, black, and reddish-orange, topped with long, curved black spines that act as a deterrent to predators. The larvae often construct protective perches from silk and their own frass along leaf veins. The pupa is a remarkably detailed chrysalis, pale green or light brown with gold metallic flecks and bizarre projections, resembling a broken twig or dried leaf, which hatches within ten to fourteen days depending on local temperatures.

Conservation status: It has not been globally evaluated by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and is generally considered common and secure throughout most of its extensive tropical range. However, localized northern populations in the United States face minor threats from habitat fragmentation, coastal development, and the removal of native Ficus species.