Detritivora hermadora, Rio Madre de Dios, Peru – Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
The neotropical Riodinidae includes a group of genera, namely Charis, Chalodeta, Detritivora and Dachetola which are characterised by having orange borders containing a series of black dots, and bordered either side by metallic silver lines. Males in this group have a blackish or very dark brown ground colour, while the females are generally a lighter shade of brown. In most species both sexes have a distinctive pattern of dark spots that shows on both wing surfaces, although in a few species the upperside ground colour is so dark that the spots are undetectable.
Distinguishing the species is often difficult, and even determining the genus can pose problems, as several species have been transferred from one genus into another as more has been learnt about their biology. By way of example, two Colombian species named Charis matic and Charis ma by Harvey & Hall in 2002 have since been transferred to the less flatteringly named genus Detritivora. The latter genus name refers to the fact that the larvae feed on detritus ( decaying leaf matter ) on the forest floor.Detritivora hermadora is distributed from to Peru.
Habitats
This species is usually found basking on low foliage at light gaps in primary rainforest. It occurs at altitudes between about 200-1400m.
Lifecycle
Unknown.
Adult behaviour
To be completed.