Cyna Blue (Zizula cyna)

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Subfamily: Polyommatinae
Tribe: Polyommatini
Genus: Zizula
Species: Z. cyna

General: The Cyna Blue (Zizula cyna) is a butterfly of the Lycaenidae family. It is found from southern Texas, south through Mexico, Central America and South America to Argentina. Strays can be found up to northern Texas, southern Arizona and Kansas. They are usually found in subtropical areas and deserts.

The wingspan is 16–22 mm (5/8-7/8 of an inch.). Adults are on wing from March to November.

It's upper-side is a violet-blue, while it's underside is a pale gray covered in tiny black dots.

The larvae feed on flower buds of Acanthaceae species. Adults feed on flower nectar.

Ithomia iphianassa Doubleday [1847]

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Papilionoidea
Genus: Ithomia
Specific name: iphianassa - Doubleday [1847]
Binominal name: - Ithomia iphianassa Doubleday [1847]

Colias cesonia - STOLL 1790 - Southern Dogface

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Suborder: Ditrysia
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Pieridae (Duponchel, 1835)
Subfamily: Coliadinae
Genus: Colias
Species: C. cesonia

The Southern Dogface, Colias cesonia, is a American butterfly in the family Pieridae, subfamily Coliadinae (sometimes it is placed in the related genus Zerene instead of Colias).

The upper side of the pointed fore wings have a dogface pattern. The wings are mainly yellow with black borders. The under side of the wings is mostly yellow with a black eyespot on the fore wing and two white spots on the hind wing.

This butterfly can be found in short-grass prairie hills, open woodlands, and near road edges. Both male and female Southern Dogfaces may be seen feeding at flowers such as Alfalfa, Coreopsis sp., Houstonia sp., and Verbena sp.. Males are also fond of puddling. Its host plants include Lead Plant Amorpha canescens, False Indigo Amorpha fruticosa, Soy Bean Glycine max, Alfalfa Medicago sativa, Black Dalea Dalea frutescens, Purple Prairie Clover Dalea purpurea, and clover Trifolium sp.. Males patrol areas for females. The male is the active flight partner. The green-white eggs are laid on the underside of the host plant leaves. The larva is green with a white stripe running down each side of its body. The green chrysalis hangs up right with a silken girdle around itself.

Lasaia agesilas (Latreille, 1809)

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Riodinidae
Genus: Lasaia
Species: L. agesilas

Common Names:
Black-Patched Blue Metalmark, Black-Spotted Bluemark, Shining-blue Lasaia

Smyrna blomfildia FABRICIUS, 1781

Blomfild's Bark Wing
Smyrna blomfildia FABRICIUS, 1781
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily - NYMPHALINAE
Tribe - NYMPHALINI
Introduction

The tribe Coeini comprises 6 genera - Colobura, Baeotus, Historis, Pycina, Smyrna and Tigridia.

There are 2 species in the genus Smyrna, namely karwinskii which is found in Mexico, and the more widespread blomfildia which is distributed from Mexico to Bolivia.

Habitats

This species is found in primary and secondary forest at altitudes between sea level and 1200m.

Lifecycle

(?)

Adult behaviour

Males of Smyrna blomfildia are often seen in aggregations of a dozen or more, imbibing mineralised moisture from rocky overhangs, stone walls, or tree boughs. They also visit fallen fruit on the forest floor, or in orchards.

When resting or feeding the butterflies usually keep their wings closed, but if disturbed they will flick them half-open momentarily. They are not nervous in disposition however, and in the presence of human intruders they will continue feeding long after most other species have fled.

In common with their relatives in the genera Colobura and Tigridia, they roost overnight on tree trunks, on which they are superbly camouflaged.

Adelpha iphicla ♂

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Division: Rhopalocera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Limenitidinae
Genus: Adelpha Hübner, 1819
Species: Adelpha iphicla

This butterfly has a wing expansion of 40mm and is distributed from Mexico to Colombia and Venezuela. In Venezuela it can find the North Central region. Vuelab on the tops of the trees and down to drink in the wet ground or in sand banks of the rivers. It has a rapid flight and is very nervous and difficult to be seen up close.
The upper surface of the wings in the male is brown with marginal and submarginal longitudinal bands of black. In the forewing has a spot to oblique, yellow-orange. A white middle band runs across both wings. In the anal angle is a small patch of reddish yellow color. The distal margin of the wings is slightly indented.
The underside of the wings, has the same white band of the upper face. The other spots are seen with smooth coloration.
The female are larger than males and have the same color on the wing upper surface. And on the ventral surface of the wings are lighter colored.

Callicore pitheas ♂ (Latreille, 1811) -"Two-eyed Eighty-eigh"

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
(unranked): Rhopalocera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Biblidinae
Tribe: Callicorini
Genus: Callicore - Hübner, 1819
Species: Callicore pitheas -Latreille, 1811

This butterfly has a wing expansion of 50mm and is distributed in Panamá, Colombia, Venezuela and part of Brasil Amazonian. In Venezuela it can find the North Central coast mountain range, often over 560 m.a.s.l. It has very a rapid flight and is very nervous and difficult to found posed.
The upper surface of the wings in the male is brown with marginal and submarginal longitudinal bands of black. In the forewing has a spot to oblique, yellow-orange. A white middle band runs across both wings. In the anal angle is a small patch of reddish yellow color. The distal margin of the wings is slightly indented.
The underside of the wings, has the same white band of the upper face. The other spots are seen with smooth coloration.
The female are larger than males and have the same color on the wing upper surface. And on the ventral surface of the wings are lighter colored.

Papilio androgeus androgeus Cramer, [1775] - "Giant Swallowtail"

Kingdom: Animalia
Division: Rhopalocera
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Papilionidae
Subfamily: Papilioninae
Tribe: Papilionini
Genus: Papilio
Species: androgeus
Sub-species: androgeus

Range: Colombia, Bolivia, Brasil (Matto grosso) y Venezuela. Small populations are registered in Florida (USA).

Identification: Wing upper surface is dark brown, almost black on the distal margin of hind wings and a little more clear on the forewings. Dorsal and ventral wings crossed by a bright yellow spot with two spots of the same color in the discal cell of fore wings.
The abdomen is yellow with a brown longitudinal line and the head and Toras are almost black.
The undersides of the wings, amrilla stain is less intense and wider. The margin of the forewing is brown and the margin of the hindwing has lines of blue and orange yellow spots.
The females are very different, with dark brown in full body, yellow spot more small in wings, accompanied by some blue dot and a red line flow.

Life history: Males patrol for receptive females. Eggs are laid singly; caterpillars resemble bird droppings. Chrysalids overwinter.

Wing span: 13.4 - 14 cm.

Caterpillar hosts: Leaves of trees in citrus (Rutaceae) family orange (Citrus sinensis) and Zanthoxylum elephantiasis.

Arawacus togarna (Hewitson, 1867) (Togarna Hairstreak)

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Arawacus
Species: togarna

Eueides isabella (Stoll, 1781) -Isabella's Heliconian or Isabella's Tiger

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae - Brushfooted Butterflies
Subfamily: Heliconiinae - Heliconians and fritillaries
Genus: Eueides
Specific name: isabella
Scientific name: Eueides isabella (Stoll, 1781)

NOTE: I'm not sure, but I think this may be sub-species: "Eueides isabella dynastes - C. &. R. Felder, 1861" - Found only in Venezuela and Colombia.

Description: Eggs are cream coloured and approximately 1 x 0.9 mm (h x w). Females usually place 1 to 3 eggs under older and younger leaves of the host plant. Mature larvae have a black body with orange and yellow stripes and white bands, with black and white scoli and head, orange anal cap; length is around 1.7 cm. Caterpillars are gregarious in small numbers (Brown, 1981). Pupae are greenish white with black markings on the wingpads and short spines on dorsum that are tipped black (DeVries, 1997).

Habits: E. isabella occurs from sea level to 1,500 m in secondary forests. Females mate multiply, often on hilltops. Adults roost solitarily at night under leaves (Brown, 1981).

Hostplant: E. isabella larvae feed primarily on plants from the subgenera Distephana and Granadilla (Passifloraceae)(Brown, 1981). In Costa Rica larvae feed on Passiflora platyloba, and P. ambigua (Passifloraceae) (DeVries, 1997).

Distribution: Eueides isabella is widely distributed from Central America to Brazil and also on the Greater Antilles. The map below shows an approximate representation of the geographic distribution of this species.

Actinote anteas (Doubleday, [1847])

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Sub-family: Heliconiinae
Scientific name: Actinote anteas (Doubleday, [1847])

Anthanassa tulcis - (Pale-banded Crescent)

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Nymphalinae
Genus: Anthanassa
Species: tulcis

Other Common Names: Tulcis Crescent

Wing span: 1 1/4 - 1 3/8 inches (3.2 - 3.5 cm).

Identification: Outer margin of forewing is only slightly indented. Upperside is black with white markings; hindwing with wide white median band.

Life history: Eggs are laid in batches on underside of host plant leaves; caterpillars feed at night in groups.

Synonyms and other taxonomic changes: Phyciodes tulcis - placement in genus Anthanassa follows classification at All-Leps and Opler & Warren

Food: larvae feed on foldwing (Dicliptera spp.) in the acanthus family / Adult food: Flower nectar.

Habitat: Second growth and open fields.

Februa Cracker - Hamadryas februa - HÜBNER, 1823

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Sub-family: Nymphalinae
Scientific name: Hamadryas februa

Introduction:
There are 20 members of the genus Hamadryas, commonly known as Crackers due to the ability of the males of several species to produce a clearly audible sound which is similar to the crackling of bacon in a frying pan.

The sound is produced as the butterflies take off, and is made by twanging a pair of spiny rods at the tip of the abdomen against bristles on the valvae ( the male's anal claspers ). Only males can produce the sound, but both sexes can detect it - their wings have tiny hollow cells covered in membranes which vibrate in response to sound and stimulate nerve endings. The purpose of the sound is not fully understood : it may deter competing males from occupying the same territory, and may also act as a trigger to initiate the first response from a female during courtship.

Hamadryas butterflies use their ears to detect crackling noises made by territorial males. The sound is made by twanging 2 tiny prongs on the tip of the abdomen against bristles on the valvae. The males habitually bask on tree trunks, where they wait to intercept passing females.

All Hamadryas species have a beautiful calico pattern on the upperside. In many there is a series of submarginal ocelli on the hindwings, and distinct kidney-shaped stigmata in the discal cells of fore and hind wings. In several species such as februa and glauconome the ground colour is greyish and the pattern acts as an extremely effective camouflage against the bark of trees. In other species such as amphinome, laodamia and velutina the wings are velvety black with a blue sheen and a pattern of bright blue spots.

Most Hamadryas species are found only in Central and South America, although 8 have been recorded sporadically in the southern USA.

Hamadryas februa is the commonest and most widespread species, found from southern Texas to Uruguay and Paraguay.

Habitats:
This species is found in degraded rainforest and deciduous forest habitats, including orchards and the forested margins of cattle ranches, at altitudes between sea level and about 800 metres.

Adult behaviour:
In common with other Hamadryas species februa can often be seen basking on tree trunks, in a head-downward position and with the wings flattened against the bark. They will bask in this position for long periods to await potential mates. They commonly settle at a height of about 2 metres but if disturbed by humans they fly up and resettle higher up, either on the same tree or on another nearby. They remain high in the trees until the intruder leaves, and then descend the tree trunk in a series of short flights, dropping a short distance each time until after several minutes they resume their original position.

The butterflies are active from sunrise to sunset, and are rarely seen away from tree trunks, but also sometimes bask on rock faces or tree foliage. On a few occasions I have also seen them settling on the ground in lightly vegetated forest clearings.

Primrose Flag - Melete lycimnia - CRAMER, 1777

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Pieridae
Genus: Melete
Specific name: Melete lycimnia

Introduction:
The Pieridae is divided into 3 subfamilies. The Dismorphiinae, with a very small number of exceptions, is entirely neotropical in distribution. The Coliadinae ( Sulphurs and Yellows ) and Pierinae ( Whites and Orange tips ) however have worldwide distribution.

There are 217 members of the Pierinae in the neotropical region. These include familiar Holarctic
( Eurasian and North American ) genera such as Pieris, Pontia and Anthocharis, and others such as Pereute, Catasticta and Melete which are found only in Central and South America.

The genus Melete contains 6 species, characterised by having a black bar at the end of the forewing discal cell, a black fw apex, and in most species a dark border to the hind-wings. Apart from these markings the wings are usually a unicolorous yellow or white.

Melete lycimnia occurs in several geographical forms. On the underside, subspecies peruviana has a white ground colour, narrow black borders, and a yellow spot at the base of the hindwings. At the other extreme the nominate subspecies lycimnia has the underside hindwings primrose yellow, with wide brown borders. In all subspecies the females are more yellowish in colouration than the males

Habitats:
This is a lowland rainforest species, occurring at elevations between sea level and about 800m.

Adult behaviour:
Males are a regular sight along forest edge habitats on the banks of rivers, and at roadsides, where they gather to imbibe mineral-laden moisture from sand or mud. They often congregate in dense clusters of 50 or more butterflies, packed very tightly together, which erupt nervously into flight if disturbed.

Females are not in my experience seen in such open situations, staying instead in the forest interior. They do not visit flowers in the understorey, or along forest roads, so presumably feed at the nectar of arboreal flowers. Their flight is direct and fairly rapid, interrupted by long periods at rest on foliage in the sub canopy.

Mcclungia cymo

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
(unranked): Rhopalocera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Nymphalidae
Tribe: Ithomiini
Genus: Mcclungia
Species: cymo

Panacea prola Doubleday [1848]

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphaliae
Subfamily: BIBLIDINAE
Tribe: AGERONIINI
Genus: Panacea
Specific name: prola - Doubleday [1848]
Scientific name: - Panacea prola Doubleday [1848]

Introduction:
The genus Panacea contains 3 known species, all confined to the neotropics.

The underside hindwings of all Panacea species are reddish. In P. procilla the hue is dull reddish brown, overlaid with broken wavy black lines and a series of submarginal ocelli. In regina the underside is red, with a suffused pattern of blackish markings.

The species featured here - Panacea prola, is smaller than regina and has a bright red underside that is devoid of markings. The iridescent bands on the upperside appear as a highly reflective pale turquoise when viewed from directly above in bright sunlight. In overcast conditions, when viewed at certain angles, the colour changes to a beautiful shade of sky blue.

Panacea prola is found throughout much of South America, from Colombia to southern Brazil but is more abundant in the foothills of the eastern Peruvian Andes than anywhere else.

Habitats:
This species appears to be confined to rainforest and transitional cloudforest, at altitudes below about 1000m. It becomes increasingly abundant at lower altitudes, and can be extremely common below 500m in certain areas, e.g. in the forests of the Manu in southern Peru.

Lifecycle:
Surprisingly the lifecycle and larval foodplants of this common butterfly are apparently unknown.

Adult behaviour:
The butterflies roost amongst foliage high in the forest canopy. In the early morning they can be seen basking on tree trunks at a height of about 10-15 metres, head downwards, with wings flattened against the bark of the tree.
As temperatures begin to climb and light levels increase, they gradually descend to bask at lower points on the trunk, but will fly back to bask much higher up if disturbed. Later, even the weather remains cool and overcast, they descend to settle on riverbanks, often settling on rocks, stones, or logs. Once the butterflies have been on the ground for a few minutes they become very reluctant to move, and will remain basking until dusk, even during light showers or drizzle.

Hypothyris antea atagalpa

Metazoa (kingdom)
Eumetazoa (no rank)
Bilateria (no rank)
Coelomata (no rank)
Protostomia (no rank)
Panarthropoda (no rank)
Arthropoda (phylum)
Mandibulata (no rank)
Pancrustacea (no rank)
Hexapoda (superclass)
Insecta (class)
Dicondylia (no rank)
Pterygota (no rank)
Neoptera (subclass)
Endopterygota (infraclass)
Amphiesmenoptera (superorder)
Lepidoptera (order)
Glossata (suborder)
Neolepidoptera (infraorder)
Heteroneura (parvorder)
Ditrysia (no rank)
Obtectomera (no rank)
Papilionoidea (superfamily)
Nymphalidae (family)
Danainae (subfamily)
Ithomiini (tribe)
Napeogenina (subtribe)
Hypothyris (genus)
Hypothyris antea (species)
Hypothyris antea atagalpa (subspecies)

Argia oculata - Hagen in Selys, 1865

Foto tomada en la quebrada de "María la O", Cerro la Copa, Montalbán Carabobo....

La cópula de los Odonatos del suborden "Zygoptera", es uno de los comportamientos más peculiares de todo el reino animal. Ésta, empieza por el "agarre" por parte del macho de una hembra; la abraza con sus cercoides (apéndices prensiles situados al final de su cuerpo) por el cuello. A continuación, el macho pasa su esperma del extremo de su cuerpo, donde los crea, a una concavidad situada al principio de su abdomen; la hembra se dobla hasta introducir su órgano sexual en dicha concavidad donde el macho ha alojado sus espermatozoos produciéndose la inseminación. Esta postura ha dado lugar al símbolo que los humanos utilizamos para representar al "corazón"... ¿Curioso, no?...

Para aquellos que ya conocen sobre Zygopteros, quiero aclarar que la especie "Argia oculata" (en la foto), no presenta diformismo sexual en coloración (ó es tan leve que no llega a notarse a simple vista). Así que puedo asegurarles que no se trata de dos "machos" (afortunadamente, je je je...).

Saludos

JL

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Suborder:	Zygoptera
Family:	Coenagrionidae
Genus:	Argia
Species:	A. oculata - Hagen in Selys, 1865

Rothschildia lebeau

Kingdom: Animalia (Animals)
Phylum: Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Class: Insecta (Insects)
Order: Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
No Taxon: (Moths)
Superfamily: Bombycoidea
Family: Saturniidae (Giant Silkworm and Royal Moths)
Subfamily: Saturniinae (Silkmoths)
Tribe: Attacini
Genus: Rothschildia
Species: Lebeau (Guérin-Méneville, 1868)

IDENTIFICATION:
Identification: Wings are reddish brown with an olive tinge. Upperside of forewing has large clear spots that touch or pass through the postmedian band. Postmedian band on each wing is irregular with a narrow white band.

LIFECICLE:
Adults emerge in the early evening, and mating occurs from about 10 PM to midnight. Egg-laying begins the following evening and continues over several nights, with the females laying eggs in rows of 3-6 on the host plants. Young caterpillars feed in groups while older ones are solitary feeders. The cocoon hangs on a twig during the winter, attached by a strong silken stem.

Caterpillar hosts: A wide range of native and introduced plants including lime prickly ash (Zanthoxylum fagara), Mexican ash (Fraxinus berlandieriana), willow (Salix), peach (Prunus persica), citrus (Citrus), and acacia (Acacia).

Adult food:Adults do not feed.

Brangas Coccineifrons

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Brangas
Species: Coccineifrons

Brangas caranus

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Brangas
Species: caranus

Consul fabius cecrops (Doubleday, 1849)- Tiger-striped Leafwing

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Genus: Consul
Species: fabius
Sub-Species: cecrops


Size Wingspan: 30 to 40 mm. Sexes similar.

Identification: At the apex of the forewing is a light yellow stain. The costal margin above the discal area and even the marginal area is a yellow transverse band. Basal area including part of discal cell and up to around an orange stripe. The apex of the wing is falcate. Hind wing orange, with the distal margin below the apex, dark brown with four yellow spots.

Range: Mexico to Bolivia

Catasticta (Catasticta) flisa viloriai Bollino & M. Costa, 2007

Familia: Pieridae
Subfamilia: Pierinae
Tribus: Pierini
Subtribus: Aporiina
Genus: Catasticta
Subgenus: Catasticta (Catasticta)
Species: Catasticta (Catasticta) flisa
Subspecies: Catasticta (Catasticta) flisa viloriai

Chiomara georgina

Kingdom: Animalia (Animals)
Phylum: Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Class: Insecta (Insects)
Order: Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily: Hesperioidea (Skippers)
Family: Hesperiidae (Skippers)
Subfamily: Pyrginae (Spread-wing Skippers)
Genus: Chiomara
Species: georgina (White-patched Skipper)
Synonym:Chiomara (asychis) simon

Identification:
Each hindwing is brown with a large white patch in the center. The leading edge of the forewing is slightly bent or sickle-shaped. Males have a distinct white patch in the forewing, females' forewings are more mottled. Underside of hindwing is mostly white.

Range:
Argentina north to southern Texas and the West Indies, with strays further north as far as Kansas, Nevada, and southern Arizona.

Habitat:
gardens, clearings, edges

Season:
Year-round. Vagrants north of the usual range are most common in late summer and autumn.

Food:
Adults are nectarivores. Larvae feed on foliage of Malphigiaceae including Barbados Cherry (Malphigia glabra) and Gaudichaudia pentandra.

Life Cycle:
Larvae create nests by webbing leaves together.

Make: Canon
Model: Canon PowerShot SX110 IS
Software: GIMP 2.4.3
Exposure Time: 1/403
F-Stop: f/3.5
ISO Speed Ratings: 100
Focal Length: 11500/1000 mm
Date Taken: 2010-07-10 09:15
Metering Mode: Center Weighted Average
Flash: Flash did not fire
File Size: 189 kb

Pythonides proxenus Godman & Salvin 1895

Kingdom: Animalia - animals
Phylum: Arthropoda - Arthropods
Class: Insecta - Insects
Order: Lepidoptera - Butterflies and Moths
Family: Hesperioidea
Genus: Pythonides
Scientific name: - Pythonides proxenus Godman & Salvin 1895

Hypna clytemnestra CRAMER, 1777

Hypna clytemnestra CRAMER, 1777
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily - CHARAXINAE
Tribe - ANAEINI

Introduction:
The genus Hypna contains just one species.

The upperside is black, with broad creamy white bands across the forewings. Like most members of the Charaxinae, it has a cryptic underside pattern, resembling a dead withered leaf.

Hypna clytemnestra occurs from Mexico to Argentina.

Habitats:
This species is found in the Amazonian lowlands and Andean foothills, at altitudes between about 100-1200m.

Lifecycle:
The eggs are globular, and laid singly on the foliage of Croton ( Euphorbiaceae ).

The fully grown caterpillar is pale brown, with a prominent thoracic hump, and has reddish tubercules along the back, from which long black setae arise.

Adult behaviour
The butterfly is uncommon, and always encountered singly. It appears to spend most of it's life high in the trees, and can usually only be observed from a distance through binoculars. Occasionally a butterfly will descend however, attracted by rotting fruit or sap runs, and at such times it often first settles on nearby foliage.

Make: OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP.
Model: SP565UZ
Software: GIMP 2.4.3
Exposure Time: 10/2000 sec
F-Stop: f/3.5
ISO Speed Ratings: 64
Focal Length: 977/100 mm
Date Taken: 2010-10-02 11:56
Metering Mode: Spot
Flash: Flash did not fire
File Size: 269 kb

Siproeta epaphus

Siproeta epaphus LATREILLE, 1813
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily - NYMPHALINAE
Tribe - VICTORINIINI

Introduction:
The Kallimini includes some of the most colourful and instantly recognisable species in the world. Amongst them the African genera Precis ( Pansies ) and Salamis ( Mother of Pearl butterflies ), and the Asian Kallima ( Dead Leaf butterflies ).

In the neotropics the tribe is represented by the genera Anartia, Junonia, Hypolimnas, Metamorpha, Napeocles and Siproeta.

The genus Siproeta comprises of 3 species - the Malachite stelenes, the green-banded superba, and the Rusty-tipped Page epaphus. All are large butterflies, with wingspans averaging 10 cms.

Siproeta epaphus occurs throughout Central America from Mexico to Panama, and in South America occurs in Venezuela, Trinidad, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru.

Habitats:
This species is scarce in lowland areas, but commonly seen in two's and three's in disturbed habitats at elevations between 400-2000 metres, favouring forest edges, roadsides, cattle pastures, and well vegetated riverbanks..

Lifecycle:
The eggs are dark green with yellow ribs, and laid in small clusters on the leaves of the foodplant.

The fully grown larva is maroon, adorned with orange branched spikes along the back and sides. The head is black with a pair of backward-curving horns. The larvae feed on the foliage of Ruellia or Blechum ( Acanthaceae ).

The chrysalis is pale green, with the thorax and abdomen covered in minute black dots, and is suspended by the cremaster from stems of the foodplant.

Adult behaviour
The butterflies are usually encountered in two's and three's, flying on sunny mornings in open situations, but can also be found in hazy or misty conditions, basking on foliage or bare ground.

They have a rapid fluttering and gliding flight, and commonly visit flowers in pastures, along forest edges, and along roadsides. Males often imbibe mineralised moisture from damp roads, muddy riverbanks, scree or rock faces, and at such times usually hold their wings half-open while flitting gently from spot to spot.

Make: OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP.
Model: SP565UZ
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Exposure Time: 10/2500 sec
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Ranitas Pitadoras

Evidentemente, sigo sin poder hacer fotos de insectos.

Llueve a diario aquí en Montalbán.

Los jardínes se llenan de ranas, algo que no sucedió el año pasado.

Saludos.

JL

Aún sin tiempo para clasificar insectos...

Pero sigo encontrando ranas...

Saludos,

Jesús

Estoy sin tiempo para clasificar insectos...

Ciertamente estoy sin tiempo para dedicarme a la clasificación de insectos (mis favoritos). De hecho, estoy sin tiempo de tomar tantas fotos como quisiera.

Por los momentos, esta rana que apareció en los muebles de mi casa... :(

Saludos,

JL

Ghost Yellow - Eurema albula (Cramer, 1775)

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Pieridae
Subfamily: Coliadinae
Genus: Aurema
Species: albula -- Ghost Yellow - (Cramer, 1775)

Identification: Pure white above with black tip to forewing.

Life history: Males patrol in heavy second growth or forest understory, usually in light openings.

Flight: All year in tropical habitats.

Wing span: 1 1/4 - 2 inches (3.0-5.0 cm).

Caterpillar hosts: Cassias.

Adult food: Flower nectar.

Habitat: Tropical forests and second growth.

For more INFO: (E. albula)

Dryas iulia Fabricius, 1775.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Heliconiinae
Tribe: Heliconiini
Subtribe: Heliconiiti
Genus: Dryas -- Hübner, 1807
Species: D. iulia
Binomial name: Dryas iulia --(Fabricius, 1775)


Identification: Dryas iulia (incorrectly spelled julia), commonly called the Julia Butterfly or Julia Heliconian, is a species of brush-footed butterfly. The sole representative of its genus Dryas, it is native from Brazil to southern Texas and Florida, and in summer can sometimes be found as far north as eastern Nebraska. Over 15 subspecies have been described.

Wings colored orange (brighter in male specimens) with black markings; this species is somewhat unpalatable to birds and belongs to the "orange" Batesian mimic complex

Life history: This butterfly is a fast flier and frequents clearings, paths, and margins of forests and woodlands. It feeds on the nectar of flowers, such as lantanas (Lantana) and Shepherd's-needle (Scandix pecten-veneris). Its caterpillars feeds on leaves of passion vines including Passiflora affinis and Yellow Passionflower (P. lutea) in Texas.

Flight: All year in tropical habitats.

Wing span: Ranges from 82 to 92 mm

For more INFO: (Wikipedia - Dryas iulia)

Hemiargus cearunus (Ceraunus Blue) - Fabricius, 1793)

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Hemiargus
Species: cearunus (Ceraunus Blue) (Fabricius, 1793)

Physical Description:
Upperside of male light blue with a darker narrow border ; female dark brown, often with wing bases blue. Underside gray; both wings with a row of dark postmedian dashes. Florida butterflies have one submarginal eyespot on hindwing ; Southwest butterflies have two.

Wing span: 3/4 - 1 1/8 inches (2 - 3 cm).

Habitat: Open woodland, desert scrub , dunes, pastures, road edges , gardens, and vacant lots.
Open places; fields , roadsides, woodland edges, etc. In coastal GA, where resident, it is found in dunes and other coastal habitats . To be looked for near low vegetation, where it stays close to the ground like an Eastern Tailed-Blue.
Open woodland, desert scrub, dunes, pastures, road edges, and vacant lots.

Diet:
Caterpillar hosts: A variety of woody legumes including partridge pea (Cassia brachiata), mesquite (Prosopis species), and rosary pea (Abrus precatorius).

Adult food: Flower nectar. Woody legumes are foodplants. Nectar plants are not well known.

Reproduction: Males patrol during warm hours of the day for receptive females. Eggs are laid singly on flower buds or leaves of host plant; caterpillars feed on flowers and seedpods.

Melanis electron melantho -- Ménétries, 1855 (1st in TN)

Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Riodinidae
Scientific name:Melanis electron melantho - Ménétries, 1855.

Identification: Wing Width: 21 to 23 mm. Sexes similar.
Fore wing with dorsal surface black. Orange horizontal stripe in the middle area. With an orange stain in the apical end, a red spot in the area posbasal.
Hind wing black, with orange marginal band. In the area posbasal a red stain.

Range: Mexico to panama, trinidad, noth of South America.

Habitat: Edges of primary and secondary forest, abandoned logging trails and wooded pastures.

Food: Adults visit flowers of Inga marginata, Cordia sp., Lantana camara and Pithecellobiun longifolium.

Hosts: Pithecellobium samman (Mimosaceae).

Heliconius erato hydara - Hewitson, 1867(Crimson-patched Longwing)

Phylum: Arthropoda - Arthropods
Class: Insecta - Insects
Order: Lepidoptera - Butterflies and Moths
Superfamily: Papilionoidea - Butterflies (excluding skippers)
Family: Nymphalidae - Brushfooted Butterflies
Subfamily: Heliconiinae - Heliconians and Fritillaries
Genus: Heliconius
Species: erato
Sub Species: hydara

Introduction:
This widespread, geographically variable butterfly (see map 2 below) is involved in Müllerian mimicry with the concordantly variable Heliconius melpomene over most of its range. Only H. erato chestertonii Hewitson does not have a corresponding H. melpomene co-mimic. That race, from the upper Cauca valley of Colombia, is a co-mimic of H. cydno weymeri Staudinger.

Etymology: ERATO was one of the nine Muses, the goddesses of music, song and dance. Her name means "the lovely" or "beloved" from the Greek word eratos. In Classical times, when the Muses were assigned specific artistic spheres, she was named Muse of erotic poetry and mimic imitation and represented holding a lyre (ERATO).

Characteristics:
Early stages: Eggs are yellow and approximately 1.5 x 0.9 mm (h x w). Females usually place eggs singly on growing shoots of the host plant. Mature larvae have a white body with black and orange spots, black scoli, and yellow head; length is around 1.3 cm. Caterpillars are solitary (Brown, 1981). Pupae are brown with gold spots on the dorsum, the thorax is strongly bowed and has short abdominal spines. The head has long head horns and the antennae have many short black spines (Brown, 1981; DeVries, 1997).

Geographical Distribution:
Heliconius erato is widespread throughout Central America and South America. The map below shows an approximate representation of the geographic distribution of this species. The original data used to draw these maps are derived from Brown (1979) which is available at Keith S. Brown Jr. (1979). Ecological Geography and Evolution in Neotropical Forests.

Make: Canon
Model: Canon PowerShot SX110 IS
Software: GIMP 2.4.3
Exposure Time: 1/318
F-Stop: f/3.5
ISO Speed Ratings: 80
Focal Length: 9100/1000 mm
Date Taken: 2010-06-19 10:53
Metering Mode: Center Weighted Average
Flash: Flash fired
File Size: 234 kb

Februa Cracker - Hamadryas februa - HÜBNER, 1823

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Sub-family: Nymphalinae
Scientific name: Hamadryas februa

Introduction:
There are 20 members of the genus Hamadryas, commonly known as Crackers due to the ability of the males of several species to produce a clearly audible sound which is similar to the crackling of bacon in a frying pan.

The sound is produced as the butterflies take off, and is made by twanging a pair of spiny rods at the tip of the abdomen against bristles on the valvae ( the male's anal claspers ). Only males can produce the sound, but both sexes can detect it - their wings have tiny hollow cells covered in membranes which vibrate in response to sound and stimulate nerve endings. The purpose of the sound is not fully understood : it may deter competing males from occupying the same territory, and may also act as a trigger to initiate the first response from a female during courtship.

Hamadryas butterflies use their ears to detect crackling noises made by territorial males. The sound is made by twanging 2 tiny prongs on the tip of the abdomen against bristles on the valvae. The males habitually bask on tree trunks, where they wait to intercept passing females.

All Hamadryas species have a beautiful calico pattern on the upperside. In many there is a series of submarginal ocelli on the hindwings, and distinct kidney-shaped stigmata in the discal cells of fore and hind wings. In several species such as februa and glauconome the ground colour is greyish and the pattern acts as an extremely effective camouflage against the bark of trees. In other species such as amphinome, laodamia and velutina the wings are velvety black with a blue sheen and a pattern of bright blue spots.

Most Hamadryas species are found only in Central and South America, although 8 have been recorded sporadically in the southern USA.

Hamadryas februa is the commonest and most widespread species, found from southern Texas to Uruguay and Paraguay.

Habitats:
This species is found in degraded rainforest and deciduous forest habitats, including orchards and the forested margins of cattle ranches, at altitudes between sea level and about 800 metres.

Adult behaviour:
In common with other Hamadryas species februa can often be seen basking on tree trunks, in a head-downward position and with the wings flattened against the bark. They will bask in this position for long periods to await potential mates. They commonly settle at a height of about 2 metres but if disturbed by humans they fly up and resettle higher up, either on the same tree or on another nearby. They remain high in the trees until the intruder leaves, and then descend the tree trunk in a series of short flights, dropping a short distance each time until after several minutes they resume their original position.

The butterflies are active from sunrise to sunset, and are rarely seen away from tree trunks, but also sometimes bask on rock faces or tree foliage. On a few occasions I have also seen them settling on the ground in lightly vegetated forest clearings.

For more INFO: (Hamadryas februa)

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Exposure Time: 10/8000 sec
F-Stop: f/4.0
ISO Speed Ratings: 64
Focal Length: 1600/100 mm
Date Taken: 2010-07-04 08:12
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Flash: Flash did not fire
File Size: 259 kb

Eresia clio clio (Linnaeus, 1758) (Clio Crescent)

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Scientific name: Eresia clio clio (Linnaeus, 1758)

Description:
Wing Size: Males 17-19 mm., Females 20-24 mm. Sexes dimorphic.

Male: Fore wing grayish black color with a white spot in the discal cell cream, a creamy white patch in the middle area. Below the discal cell, two white spots on the subápice cream. Hind wing black, gray, cream white stripe, a white dot at the apex cream.

Female: Fore wing grayish black, creamy white stripe in the discal cell, a transverse strip subápice creamy white below. A creamy white speck at the apex, the mean area under the disc cell a circular patch of creamy white. Hind wing black, brown with a wide white stripe cream, creamy white spot at the apex, a creamy white line in the marginal area.

Malachite" - Siproeta stelenes LINNAEUS, 1758

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
(unranked): Rhopalocera
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Nymphalinae
Tribe: Victorinini
Genus: Siproeta
Species: S. stelenes
Binomial name: Siproeta stelenes (Linnaeus, 1758)

Introduction:
The tribe Kallimini includes the Asian Kallima ( Dead Leaf butterflies ), and the African genera Precis
( Pansies ) and Salamis ( Mother of Pearl butterflies ). In the neotropics the tribe is represented by the genera Anartia, Junonia, Hypolimnas, Metamorpha, Napeocles and Siproeta.

The genus Siproeta comprises of 3 species - the Malachite stelenes, the green-banded superba, and the Rusty-tipped Page epaphus. All are large butterflies, with wingspans averaging 10 cms.

The beautiful Malachite is distributed from Florida and Texas, south to Peru, Argentina and Bolivia. The butterflies look particularly beautiful when seen at rest, with sunshine streaming through the translucent green windows on the wings.

Some workers consider stelenes to be a Batesian mimic of the Heliconiine Philaethria dido. The 2 species generally occupy different habitats, but their avian predators probably encounter both species fairly regularly, so the theory may have some basis.

Habitats:
This is a widespread and common species found in a wide variety of habitats including lowland primary rainforest, mid-elevation cloudforest and deciduous forests, usually in the vicinity of rivers at altitudes between about 100-1200m. It is probably most commonly seen in secondary habitats, including orchards and gardens.

Lifecycle:
The eggs are dark green, and laid singly on leaves of Ruellia, Justicia or Blechum, all members of the Acanthaceae. Females tend to patrol back and forth along a limited stretch of habitat, dotting their eggs about fairly randomly.

The fully grown caterpillar is dark olive in colour, with a series of whorled spikes along the back and sides. Those on the back are reddish.

The chrysalis is pale green, with the thorax and abdomen covered in minute black dots, and is suspended by the long cremaster from stems of the foodplant.

Adult behaviour:
The adults nectar at Lantana and other flowers, and also feed at fallen fruit, carrion and dung. I have seen groups of Malachites feeding on decaying fallen mangos in Costa Rica, and imbibing from gravel and tarmac roads in Peru and the Venezuelan Andes. They are usually seen flying in open sunlit areas, but I have on several occasions found them roosting beneath leaves deep in primary forest.

For more INFO: (Siproeta stelenes)

Ectima lirides Staudinger 1886

•Kingdom: Animalia - animals
•Phylum: Arthropoda - Arthropods
•Class: Insecta - Insects
•Order: Lepidoptera - Butterflies and Moths
•Family: Papilionoidea
•Genus: Ectima
•Specific name: lirides - Staudinger 1886
•Scientific name: - Ectima lirides Staudinger 1886

Introduction:
The Biblidinae are recognised by their diverse but simple and often colourful patterns. In the neotropics their representatives include the Ageroniina - a subtribe which includes the Hamadryas Crackers, the Ectima Banners, the Panacea Flashers and the Painted Beauty, which is the sole member of the genus Batesia.

Ectima and Hamadryas have much in common, not least their disposition for basking head-downwards on tree trunks with their wings held flattened against the bark. In common with the females of most Hamadryas species, Ectima have a band of white running diagonally across the forewings, but Hamadryas are larger, and have very intricate calico patterns on the upper surface, unlike the much plainer Ectima.

There are 4 Ectima species - erycinoides from Central America, thecla from southern Amazonia, lirides from Peru and Bolivia, and iona which is distributed from Colombia to the Mato Grosso.

Habitats:
This species is confined to primary rainforest at altitudes between about 200-800m.

Lifecycle:
The eggs are white and laid singly on new growth leaves of Dalechampia and other Euphorbiaceae.

The fully grown larva is black and covered with branched spines.

Adult behaviour:
The butterflies are nearly always encountered as singletons basking in the characteristic Hamadryas / Ectima fashion, head-downwards on tree trunks, either within dense forest or in orchards and other lightly forested habitats. They normally bask at a height of about 4 metres, but can be enticed lower down by applying liquefied plantain or fish paste to trunks at eye-level.

For more INFO: (Ectima lirides)

White-angled Sulphur (Anteos clorinde)

Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Pieridae
Genus: Anteos
Species: A. clorinde
Binomial name: Anteos clorinde (Godart, [1824])

Habitat:
Canopy, forest edge, along rivers and streams, sometimes you can find the male feeding on wet soil and sand.

Life cycle:
Eggs: white to yellow, variables, lonely places.

Larvae: There may be three types: they are completely yellow and eat flowers and flower buds, green and feed on green leaves, reddish and feed on leaves and new growth. All have a green head capsule with short hairs.

Pupa: green, elongated, with dorsal keel arched each side of the abdomen a white line.

Feeding:
Adults visit flowers of Centropogon granulosus. This plant grows on the edges of the trails and roads patchy, is frequently observed A. Clorinda feeding on nectar in the flowers remaining.

Relationships:
Host plant: Senna papillosa (Caesalpinaceae)

For more INFO: (Anteos clorinde)

Make: Canon
Model: Canon PowerShot SX110 IS
Software: PhotoScape
Exposure Time: 1/807
F-Stop: f/3.2
ISO Speed Ratings: 80
Focal Length: 8200/1000 mm
Date Taken: 2010-05-15 10:44
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