Ithomiola floralis celtilla, Tingo Maria, Peru – Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
To the uninitiated it may seem almost inconceivable that the butterfly depicted above is a member of the Riodinidae, as it so closely resembles an Ithomiine Glasswing. The Riodinidae however is a quite extraordinarily diverse family of butterflies which includes many species that are remarkable mimics, not only of Glasswings, but also of Skippers, Pierids, Lycaenids, Swallowtails and Danaines.
There are 6 known members of the genus Ithomiola, distributed from Surinam and French Guiana, south along the Andes to Peru and Bolivia. Ithomiola floralis occurs throughout this range.
Ithomiola floralis celtilla, Tingo Maria, Peru – Adrian Hoskins
Habitats
This is a cloudforest species, found at altitudes between about 800-1800m.
Lifecycle
Unknown.
Adult behaviour
Both sexes habitually rest under leaves, with wings almost fully outspread but slightly drooping, and with the antennae held parallel and pointing downwards.
Courtship and copulation take place in mid-morning, but both sexes remain active until about 5pm, when they can be found basking on saplings in places where late afternoon sunlight filters through the canopy.
Ithomiola floralis celtilla, Tingo Maria, Peru – Adrian Hoskins