Introduction
The subfamily Dismorphiinae, to which the Wood Whites of Europe belong, has its headquarters in South America, where 51 different species are found. The neotropical genera include Dismorphia, Enantia, Lieinix, Patia, Moschoneura and Pseudopieris.
The 30 species in the genus Dismorphia are characterised by having long narrow almost elliptical fore-wings, and disproportionately large hindwings.
Dismorphia medora is found in the Andes, in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
Habitats
This species is found in cloudforest at altitudes between about 1200-2500m.
Lifecycle
Unknown, however DeVries states that several Dismorphia species in Costa Rica feed as larvae on Inga or Pithecellobium ( Mimosaceae ). In the case of most species in the subfamily Dismorphiinae, the eggs are spindle-shaped, and laid singly on the underside of leaves. In most ( probably all ) species the larvae are cryptically coloured – dark green above, and paler green below.
Adult behaviour
Both sexes are usually found as singletons flying in forest edge habitats, where they nectar at Senecio, Eupatorium and other herbaceous plants.
