Introduction
The tribe Melitaeini is of worldwide distribution. It includes the Crescents and Checkerspots, and also many familiar European species such as the Marsh, Glanville, Spotted and Heath Fritillaries.
The genus Telenassa is closely allied to Anthanassa, and shares similar patterns and colours – some species being quite plain, with just a few thin wavy submarginal lines on the hindwings, while others are prettily marked with spots and / or bands of white, cream or bright orange. The 16 Anthanassa species are primarily Central American in distribution, with only a few species extending their range south of the equator. The 8 known species of Telenassa however are entirely South American in distribution.
Telenassa jana is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.
Habitats
This species is found mainly along the foothills of the Andes, at altitudes between about 400-1400m.
Lifecycle
Unknown.
Adult behaviour
Males are commonly seen amidst aggregations of Tegosa, Dagon, Tegosa and Ortilia species, which often swarm at urine-tainted sandy patches, or other mineral-rich sources of moisture on hot sunny days. Typically a swarm of a hundred or so of these Melitaeines in central Peru will include half a dozen specimens of Telenassa jana. The butterflies normally feed and bask with the wings fully outspread, but will hold them erect if conditions are really hot.