Eunica norica, Tatama NP, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
The genus Eunica contains 40 species colloquially known as Purplewings due to the dazzling purple or metallic blue iridescence on the uppersides of the males. Females lack the iridescence, and are typically a dull earthy brown colour with a diagonal white band across the forewings. The underside hindwings of most species are beautifully marbled, and bear a distinctive arrangement of ocelli.
Eunica norica is distributed from Costa Rica to Bolivia.
Habitats
This is primarily a lowland species but can be found in cloudforest at elevations up to about 1700m.
Lifecycle
The lifecycle of Eunica species in general is poorly known and I can find no published details of the early stages of this species. The eggs of most Eunica species are laid singly on the flowers and leaf buds of trees including Mabea ( Euphorbiaceae ) and Bursera ( Burseraceea ). The larvae are likely to vary considerably in colouration and pattern from species to species, but generally have short spines along the sides, and a single row of longer erect spines on the last 3 segments of the body.
Eunica norica, Tatama NP, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins
Adult behaviour
Females are normally encountered singly, flying in light gaps in the forest understorey or basking on bushes along forest trails. Males perch in the sub-canopy but are sometimes seen in two’s and three’s on river beaches or dry river beds in mixed aggregations.
Eunica norica, Tatama NP, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins