Notheme erota, Rio Shima, Satipo, Peru – Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
The genus Notheme comprises of a single species erota. It is unlikely to be confused with any other species except possibly Parcella amarynthina, but the latter has suffused and very much narrower bands which are orange rather than cream.Notheme erota occurs from Colombia to Bolivia. The illustration depicts the subspecies diadema from Peru and Bolivia.
Notheme erota, Satipo, Peru – Adrian Hoskins
Habitats
This is a lowland rainforest species, found on both sides of the Andes at altitudes between about 100-1000 metres.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplant is thought to be Olyra latifolia – a species of bamboo ( Poaceae ).
Adult behaviour
This pretty little species is nearly always seen singly. It is usually encountered in damp situations where dappled sunlight filters through the trees onto the forest floor. The butterfly always basks and feeds with wings held half open, and with the forewings tilted forward. It tends to sit motionless for long periods in rocky crevices where it probes for moisture.
Notheme erota, Rio Madre de Dios, Peru – Adrian Hoskins