Melanis leucophlegma, Chaparri desert, Peru – Tony Hoare
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 leucophlegma occurs in Ecuador and northern Peru.
Habitats
This species is found in semi-desert habitats at altitudes between about 500-2000m.
Lifecycle
I have no information specific to leucophlegma 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.
Adult behaviour
To be completed.