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
Software: GIMP 2.4.3
Exposure Time: 10/2500 sec
F-Stop: f/5.6
ISO Speed Ratings: 100
Focal Length: 3501/100 mm
Date Taken: 2010-10-02 13:14
Metering Mode: Spot
Flash: Flash did not fire
File Size: 297 kb
