Biblis hyperia, Satipo, Peru – Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
The genus Biblis contains just a single species – hyperia, which is one of the most distinctive and instantly recognisable species in the neotropics.
Both sexes are identical, and there is hardly any variation in the patterning, although the width of the bright pink band on the hindwing varies slightly. The underside of the wings is identical to the upper surface except for being slightly paler.
Biblis hyperia is distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the neotropics, from Mexico to Paraguay. It is also found on the larger Caribbean islands.
Habitats
This species breeds in disturbed habitats including forest clearings, forest / grassland mosaics, and along roadsides and riverbanks. It is found at altitudes between sea level and about 1000m but is more frequent below 500m.
Lifecycle
The only recorded larval foodplant Tragia volubilis ( Euphorbiaceae ) but it is likely that related plants are also used.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are usually encountered singly. Males tend to continually fan their wings when settled on the foliage of bushes or trees, or when imbibing mineralised moisture from rocks or pebbles. The flight is slow and deliberate, “advertising” the bright pink band, which suggests that this species is unpalatable to birds – the larval foodplants Euphorbiaceae contain toxins, and it is probable that these are sequestered by the larvae and retained in the bodies of the adult butterflies. It is a little surprising therefore that the colours and patterns are not mimicked by other species.
Biblis hyperia, Satipo, Peru – Adrian Hoskins