It was described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae.

It is found in the tropics and sub-tropics of Central and South America, from Mexico to Bolivia.

The habitat consists of disturbed areas in deciduous and evergreen forests at altitudes ranging from 0 to 1,200 meters.

Adults of both sexes feed at over-ripe fruits of mango, Guazuma and Genipa, but have also been observed feeding on the nectar of Vochysia and Paullinia flowers.

The larvae feed on Calycophyllum candidissimum, Isertia and Uncaria species.