Dynamine gisella, Rio Madre de Dios, 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 have metallic bluish or greenish uppersides. The apex is usually blackish, and marked with white spots. The undersides are white, and in most species are marked with a series of orange or reddish-brown. Many species including gisella also have conspicuous ocelli and small patches of metallic blue scales.
The greatest diversity of species is found in the Amazon basin, but the distribution of the genus ranges from Mexico to Bolivia.
Dynamine gisella occurs from Colombia to Peru.
Dynamine gisella, Rio Pindayo, Peru – Adrian Hoskins
Habitats
This species is found in primary rainforest at altitudes between about 200-800 metres.
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.
Dynamine gisella, Rio Pindayo, Peru – Adrian Hoskins
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 the males visit dry river beds, well vegetated rocky river beaches and damp ground along sunlit forest tracks and roads to imbibe moisture.
Both sexes also bask on low foliage, with wings half open. They rarely spread the wings flat, but tend to constantly fan their wings while walking about on the ground.