Napaea heteroea, Tingo Maria, Peru – Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
There are 15 described Napaea species, distributed variously from Mexico to Brazil and Bolivia.Napaea are easily recognised by their distinctive pattern of spots, although in some species such as melampia the markings are greatly reduced, and in others e.g. calitra the outer spots are elongated into chevrons. The pattern is usually identical on both wing surfaces, but the markings on the dorsal surface are white rather than metallic blue.Some authorities e.g. Lamas place heteroea and the very similar species actoris in the closely allied genus Cremna.Napaea heteroea is found in Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.
Habitats
This species is found in primary and degraded forest at elevations between about 400-800m.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
Males habitually perch under the leaves of bushes and saplings, with the wings outspread. However they will sometimes bask on the upper surface of leaves in late afternoon in places where dappled sunlight filters down through the canopy.