Hamadryas

Cracker butterflies are a Neotropical group of medium-sized brush-footed butterfly species of the genus Hamadryas. They acquired their common name due to the unusual way that males produce a "cracking" sound as part of their territorial displays. The most comprehensive work about their ecology and behavior is that of Julian Monge Najera et al. (1998). The genus was erected by Jacob Hübner in 1806. Description Cracker butterflies are all fairly cryptic in their dorsal coloration, commonly covered in varying colored spots, most of which resemble bark; some are known to have little coloration, such as the Hamadryas februa. Distribution and habitat This genus of butterflies are commonly found throughout South America to Arizona, where at least nine species can be found in Costa Rica.