Ancyluris aulestes, Tingo Maria, Peru – Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
The genus Ancyluris comprises of 16 beautiful tailed Riodinids, all confined to the neotropical region. They are closely related to the genus Rhetus, so much so that the females of Ancyluris aristodorus and Rhetus periander are almost indistinguishable, at least from the uppersides.
Males of most Ancyluris species have black uppersides with red bands. In females these bands are broader and paler. In jurgensenii the bands on the female are pure white, and in aristodorus and formosissima they are white in both sexes. Males of all species have a blue iridescence on the underside of the wings.
Ancyluris aulestes occurs in Colombia, Venezuela, Surinam, Ecuador, Brazil and Peru.
Habitats
This is a lowland and mid-elevation rainforest species found at altitudes between about 200-1000m.
Lifecycle
I have no data regarding aulestes but the lifecycle is likely to be similar to that of other Ancyluris species as follows: The eggs are white and highly sculptured. They are laid singly in fissures on the stems or twigs of the foodplants. Egg-laying females tend to settle high up, then walk backwards down the stem, probing with the ovipositor in various places before depositing each egg. The larval foodplants are trees in the families Melastomaceae and Euphorbiaceae. The larvae are gregarious, living in small groups of mixed instars. They are reported to be cannibalistic.
Adult behaviour
Males can be found imbibing moisture from bare soil or sandy riverbanks in early morning and late afternoon. They are more likely to be found in shady areas than in full sunshine. In late morning they perch under the leaves of trees or bushes. Any passing Ancyluris of either sex is intercepted and challenged. After sorties males return to their original position. Both sexes nectar at Lantana, Cordia, Croton, Eupatorium and other flowers.