Pheles heliconides, Tingo Maria, Peru – Emily Halsey
Introduction
There are several genera of Riodinidae which contain species that mimic toxic Ithomiines, including Ithomeis, Ithomiola, Teratophthalma, Brachyglenis, Xynias, Esthemopsis, Chimastrum, Stalachtis and Pheles.
The genus Pheles comprises of 8 species, found variously from Mexico to Brazil and Peru.Pheles heliconides is known from Surinam, Brazil and Peru.
Habitats
This species inhabits rainforest at elevations between about 200-1400m.
Lifecycle
Unknown.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are usually encountered singly deep in the forest, resting with wings outspread under the leaves of saplings in the understorey.