A large, tailless butterfly found from Texas to Argentina in tropical woods near streams and rivers. Its upperside is brownish-black with iridescent blue at wing base, and a white band on the forewings. The underside head and thorax are yellow. Wingspan is 47-60 mm. Similar species include Astraptes dinora and A. enotrus. Larvae are black above and maroon below with a black head, yellow hairs and yellow transverse rings. Adults often rest upside down under leaves in the shade, males may perch in sunny openings to await females. Hostplants are Cassia hoffmanseggi, Ilex paraguariensis, and Vitus mollis.