Introduction
The subfamily Pyrrhopyginae comprises 163 species, most of which are confined to the Neotropics, although a few occur in Mexico, and a single species Apyrrothrix araxes reaches Arizona.
The Pyrrhopyginae are characterised by having a massive muscular thorax and a conical abdomen with compressed segments. The wings of most species are black, often with a metallic blue sheen, and are swept back, half covering the hindwings when the butterflies settle.
There are 5 Mimoniades species, found variously in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil. All have black wings, marked with semi-hyaline orange bands and/or spots. Most species have a metallic blue or blue-green sheen over the wings. Some such as versicolor and montana have blue-green Jemadia-like stripes. In nurscia the blue is confined mainly to the hindwings.
Mimoniades nurscia is found in the eastern Andes, from Colombia to Peru.
Habitats
This species inhabits cloudforest at elevations between about 2400-3200m.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
Males are usually seen when discovered imbibing mineralised water from the edges of streams on hot sunny mornings.