Aricoris incana, Rio Shima, Peru – Dave Griffiths
Introduction
There are 24 known species in the genus Aricoris, including 2 recently discovered by Hall & Harvey which have not yet been assigned scientific names.Most Actoris species have orange-brown uppersides with dark markings, and a series of black sub-marginal spots on the hindwings. There are 2 exceptions – constantius which is almost entirely dark brown, and terias, a species from Paraguay which is yellowish with a black apex. The undersides of most species are similar, with markings that reflect the upperside, but are less colourful while at the same time being more contrasty.
The genus has representatives from Panama to Paraguay, Uruguay and Chile. The most widespread species is chilensis which is found in Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia and Chile.Actoris incana is known from Peru and Argentina, but almost certainly also occurs in Bolivia.
Habitats
This butterfly normally inhabits arid grasslands at altitudes between 1500-2000m. Its occurrence in August 2012 at Shima where the altitude is 450m may seem initially puzzling. At the time however several other unexpected species ( e.g. Steroma bega ) were also present, having been channelled down through the valley from higher altitudes during a mass multi-species migration.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
My only observation of this species is of a singleton found settled on the ground on a logging road at Shima.