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This study describes and compares the diverse dorsal and ventral wing color patterns of Brassolini butterflies. Thirty-three species are illustrated, where pattern elements of the nymphalid ground plan are labeled in color. In general, a larger number of pattern elements can be identified on the ventral than on the dorsal surface of both wings, and the forewing has a larger number of discernible pattern elements than the hind wing. The dorsal elements are broad, diffuse, and more difficult to identify against the typically brown brassoline wing background color. Species with a light colored dorsal background served as a guide for our proposal that fewer pattern elements are present dorsally, particularly on the hind wing. Colorful bands or markings generally present on the dorsal surface seem to be associated with specific pattern elements and have correspondence to the ventral pattern. We refer to these as trailing bands, and they constitute a predominant feature of the brassoline dorsal coloration. We propose a subordinate groundplan for brassolines and interpret some of the ventral pattern variation in light of their phylogeny. Dorsal color pattern variation that leads to sexual dimorphism and mimetic resemblance are also discussed.

In certain times of the year, Actinote butterflies can be vastly abundant in Southeastern Brazil, thus representing conspicuous denizens of our fauna. Their wing coloration allows for the recognition of five major patterns, which probably resulted from mimicry. Furthermore, examination of series of field-collected and reared specimens clearly demonstrates a high intra-specific variation in wing color pattern. In concert, inter-specific resemblance (mimicry) and intra-specific variation make it difficult to discriminate Actinote species from each other. This key aims at providing a tool for identification of male Actinote. To that effect, we provide diagnostic characters and illustrations of wings and male genitalia for 22 species. We hope that the clear identification of these species will lead to the discovery of species yet unrecognized in Southeastern Brazil. Em certas épocas do ano, as borboletas do gênero Actinote podem ser muito abundantes no sudeste do Brasil, constituindo, então, elementos conspícuous da nossa fauna. Sua coloração alar permite a separação em cinco padrões básicos, provavelmente relacionados com o mimetismo. Além disso, séries de exemplares coletados no campo ou criados em laboratório demonstram claramente que existe uma grande variabilidade intra-específica na coloração alar destas borboletas. Em conjunto, a semelhança entre as espécies (mimetismo) e variação intra-específica dificultam o reconhecimento das espécies de Actinote. Esta chave tem como objetivo auxiliar a identificação dos machos destas borboletas e, para tanto, são apresentados caracteres diagnósticos, ilustrações das asas e genitália de 22 espécies. Esperamos que a clara identificação destas espécies possa revelar a presença de espécies ainda não reconhecidas no sudeste do Brasil.