Catasticta hegemon helle, Tatama NP, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins
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