Catasticta chelidonis igneata, Bosque She’llot, Peru – Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
The genus Catasticta is comprised of about 90 species, all found in the Andes and in the Cordilleras of Central America. Many of the species are difficult to identify, due to the very similar patterns on both wing surfaces.
Catasticta chelidonis is restricted to Peru and Bolivia. There are 5 subspecies.
Habitats
This is a cloudforest species, found at altitudes between about 2000-3000m.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
Males are usually found singly. They often sit wedged amongst small semi-submerged rocks and pebbles at the edge of shallow streams, or where small fords cross mountain roads. At these times they are very reluctant to move, perhaps because the cool water reduces their body temperature.
Females rarely settle on the ground, and are instead encountered in flight on mountain passes, or when feeding at flowers at cloudforest / grassland transition zones.