Introduction

The name Melanis refers to the melanic pigment of the black scales which cover the distinctively shaped wings of all members of this genus. Many Melanis species are marked with orange borders on the hindwings, and / or similarly coloured diagonal bands on the forewings. In some species the apex of the forewings is orange, and in others there are large red spots near the base of the wings.

There are 27 known members in the genus. One particularly attractive species, M. pixe, has a range extending from Mexico to Panama, but the majority of species are found in the Andes mountains, or in the Amazonian lowlands.

Melanis hillapana is found in Brazil, Peru and Bolivia. It can be confused with electron but the latter has a cream band on the forewings replacing the pure white band of hillapana.

Melanis hillapana, Satipo, Peru – Adrian Hoskins

Habitats

This species inhabits pre-montane rainforest and cloudforest at altitudes between about 200-1200m. Melanis hillapana flies throughout the year but is commonest in the early part of the dry season.

Melanis hillapana, Satipo, Peru – Adrian Hoskins

Lifecycle

I have no information specific to hillapana but the lifecycle is likely to be similar to that of other Melanis species : The larvae are hairy, and feed gregariously on the leaves of trees in the family Leguminosae. The pupae are said to be formed in clusters on tree trunks.

Melanis hillapana, Satipo, Peru – Adrian Hoskins

Adult behaviour

Males of this species are usually seen singly or in very low numbers, visiting damp sand or rocks from which they imbibe mineralised moisture. They hold their wings fully or almost fully outspread while feeding. Males of several Melanis species are reported to fly around the canopy of Samanea trees ( Leguminosae ) in search of females. Females nectar at Inga, Cordia and Albizia.

Melanis hillapana, Satipo, Peru – Adrian Hoskins

Introduction

The Biblidinae are known for their diverse but simple and colourful patterns. In the neotropics their representatives include the subtribe Eubagina, within which are placed the 40 Dynamine species.Most Dynamine species including ines have metallic bluish or greenish uppersides, with a dark apex and a series of white spots. Some species however are white, with black markings. The undersides of most species are white, attractively marked with narrow bands of orange – and in some species also with conspicuous ocelli and small patches of metallic blue scales.

The greatest diversity of Dynamine species is found in the Amazon basin, but the distribution of the genus ranges from Mexico to Bolivia.Dynamine setabis is distributed from Colombia to Peru.

Habitats

This species is found in the foothills of the eastern Andes, at altitudes between about 200-1000m.

Lifecycle

The eggs of most Dynamine species are white. They are laid singly on the leaf axils or flower buds of Euphorbiaceae genera such as Tragia and Dalechampia. The larvae are described by DeVries as being slug-like, with tiny rosettes of spines on the back. The pupae are greenish, elongate, with a slightly bifid head and a pronounced dorsal keel, and suspended by the cremaster from stems or leaves.

Adult behaviour

The butterflies are only active in hot sunny conditions, when they can be seen flying rapidly in zig-zag fashion along sunny tracks in the mornings. During the afternoon males visit dry river beds, well vegetated rocky river beaches and damp ground along sunlit forest tracks and roads.

The wings are normally kept closed, but they periodically fan them as they flit about from spot to spot on the ground, probing for mineral-rich moisture.

In cooler conditions both sexes also bask on low foliage, with wings half open.

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 hegemon is found in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and northern Peru. There are 3 named subspecies, including helle which is endemic to Colombia.

Catasticta hegemon helle, Tatama NP, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins

Habitats

This is a cloudforest species, found at altitudes between about 1500-2500m.

Lifecycle

To be completed.

Catasticta hegemon helle, Tatama NP, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins

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.

Catasticta hegemon helle, Tatama NP, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins

Introduction

In the neotropical region there are a total of 192 representatives of the subfamily Pierinae, of which 9 species are placed in the genus Pereute.The butterflies are instantly recognisable by their sooty upperside wings, which in most species are marked with a red or creamy diagonal band on the forewings, and a powdery blue sheen on the hindwings. The undersides are a very dark earthy colour in all species, and have 2 or 3 prominent orange or red spots at the base of the hindwings. All Pereute species have straight white antennae.

Pereute callinira is distributed across the eastern Andes, in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.

Habitats

This butterfly occurs in cloudforest and rainforest habitats at elevations between about 400-1500m. It is usually encountered in the vicinity of small streams.

Lifecycle

The eggs are yellow, and laid in untidy heaps on the undersides of leaves of Loranthaceae. The larvae are gregarious.

Adult behaviour

Early in the day males perch high in the canopy and chase each other rapidly in wide circles around the tree tops.

In late morning they descend to the understorey, and in the afternoon are sometimes encountered in the vicinity of streams and waterfalls. In common with the males of numerous other butterflies of all families, they imbibe mineralised moisture in order to procure vital salts. However whereas most species choose to imbibe from patches of damp ground, Pereute males have the peculiar habit of sitting in precarious positions, sometimes partially submerged, among pebbles in the middle of fast flowing shallow streams. I have come across this phenomenon numerous times with various Pereute species in Costa Rica, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru, but can find no logical explanation.

When feeding, Pereute males are exceedingly placid. No amount of molestation will cause them to fly, but conversely when encountered at rest on foliage on narrow forest trails, they are extremely alert and very difficult to approach.

Introduction

In the neotropical region there are a total of 192 representatives of the subfamily Pierinae, of which 9 species are placed in the genus Pereute.The butterflies are instantly recognisable by their sooty upperside wings, which in most species are marked with a red or creamy diagonal band on the forewings, and a powdery blue sheen on the hindwings. The undersides are a very dark earthy colour in all species, and have 2 or 3 prominent red spots at the base of the hindwings. All Pereute species have straight white antennae.

Pereute telthusa is confined to the eastern Andes of Peru and Bolivia.

Habitat

As with other Pereute species this butterfly is found in cloudforests, at altitudes between about 700-2200m, and is most frequently encountered in the vicinity of small streams.

Lifecycle

The eggs are yellow, and laid in untidy heaps on the undersides of leaves of Loranthaceae. The larvae are gregarious.

Adult behaviour

Early in the day males perch high in the canopy and chase each other rapidly in wide circles around the tree tops.

In late morning they descend to the understorey, and in the afternoon are sometimes encountered in the vicinity of streams and waterfalls. In common with the males of numerous other butterflies of all families, they imbibe mineralised moisture in order to procure vital salts. However whereas most species choose to imbibe from patches of damp ground, Pereute males have the peculiar habit of sitting in precarious positions, sometimes partially submerged, among pebbles in the middle of fast flowing shallow streams. I have come across this phenomenon numerous times with various Pereute species in Costa Rica, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru, but can find no logical explanation.

When feeding, Pereute males are exceedingly placid. No amount of molestation will cause them to fly, but conversely when encountered at rest on foliage on narrow forest trails, they are extremely alert and very difficult to approach.

Females are normally only seen when visiting Fuchsia or Eupatorium for nectar.

Introduction

In the neotropical region there are a total of 192 representatives of the subfamily Pierinae, of which 9 species are placed in the genus Pereute.The butterflies are instantly recognisable by their sooty upperside wings, which in most species are marked with a red or creamy diagonal band on the forewings, and a powdery blue sheen on the hindwings. The undersides are a very dark earthy colour in all species, and have 2 or 3 prominent orange or red spots at the base of the hindwings. All Pereute species have straight white antennae.

Pereute charops, is the commonest and most widespread member of the genus. It is distributed across mountainous regions from Mexico to Peru and Bolivia.

Habitats

This butterfly occurs over a wider altitudinal range than most other Pereute species, being found as low as 500m and as high as 2200m, although it is more abundant between 800-1500m. It is usually encountered in the vicinity of small streams.

Lifecycle

The eggs are yellow, and laid in untidy heaps on the undersides of leaves of Loranthaceae. The larvae are gregarious.

Adult behaviour

Early in the day males perch high in the canopy and chase each other rapidly in wide circles around the tree tops.

In late morning they descend to the understorey, and in the afternoon are sometimes encountered in the vicinity of streams and waterfalls. In common with the males of numerous other butterflies of all families, they imbibe mineralised moisture in order to procure vital salts. However whereas most species choose to imbibe from patches of damp ground, Pereute males have the peculiar habit of sitting in precarious positions, sometimes partially submerged, among pebbles in the middle of fast flowing shallow streams. I have come across this phenomenon numerous times with various Pereute species in Costa Rica, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru, but can find no logical explanation.

When feeding, Pereute males are exceedingly placid. No amount of molestation will cause them to fly, but conversely when encountered at rest on foliage on narrow forest trails, they are extremely alert and very difficult to approach.

Females are normally only seen when visiting Fuchsia or Eupatorium for nectar.

Pereute charops, Rio Tambo, Peru – Adrian Hoskins

Introduction

In the neotropical region there are a total of 192 representatives of the subfamily Pierinae.The genus Leodonta comprises of 5 known species, distributed variously from Costa Rica to Peru. All are high elevation species. They are closely allied to Catasticta and have similar markings, but can be distinguished from them by their angular apex and slightly scalloped hindwings.

Leodonta tellane is the most widely distributed species, being found from Costa Rica to Peru.

Habitats

This is a cloudforest species found in the vicinity of streams and small rivers at altitudes of between about 1500-2400 metres.

Lifecycle

To be completed.

Adult behaviour

Males imbibe mineralised moisture from seepages, road surfaces and the edges of shallow streams.

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 ctemene is found from Costa Rica to Bolivia. There are 8 subspecies.

Catasticta ctemene strigosa, Otun-Quimbaya, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins

Habitats

This is a cloudforest species, found at altitudes between about 1700-2400m.

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.

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.

Introduction

The genus Catasticta is comprised of about 90 species, all found in the Andes or the Cordilleras of Central America. The species are often extremely difficult to identify, most having very similar patterns on both wing surfaces.Catasticta pieris is found in Peru and Bolivia. There are 3 subspecies.

Habitats

This is a cloudforest butterfly, found in the eastern Andes at altitudes between about 1800-3000m.

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.

Catasticta pieris pieris, Bosque She’llot, Peru – Adrian Hoskins