Norica Purplewing

Scientific Name
Eunica norica
HEWITSON, 1852
Specie in
Family

Norica PurplewingEunica norica, Tatama NP, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins

Introduction

The genus Eunica contains 40 species colloquially known as Purplewings due to the dazzling purple or metallic blue iridescence on the uppersides of the males. Females lack the iridescence, and are typically a dull earthy brown colour with a diagonal white band across the forewings. The underside hindwings of most species are beautifully marbled, and bear a distinctive arrangement of ocelli.

Eunica norica is distributed from Costa Rica to Bolivia.

Habitats

This is primarily a lowland species but can be found in cloudforest at elevations up to about 1700m.

Lifecycle

The lifecycle of Eunica species in general is poorly known and I can find no published details of the early stages of this species. The eggs of most Eunica species are laid singly on the flowers and leaf buds of trees including Mabea ( Euphorbiaceae ) and Bursera ( Burseraceea ). The larvae are likely to vary considerably in colouration and pattern from species to species, but generally have short spines along the sides, and a single row of longer erect spines on the last 3 segments of the body.

Eunica%20norica%20norica%202605 001a - Butterflies StoreEunica norica, Tatama NP, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins

Adult behaviour

Females are normally encountered singly, flying in light gaps in the forest understorey or basking on bushes along forest trails. Males perch in the sub-canopy but are sometimes seen in two’s and three’s on river beaches or dry river beds in mixed aggregations.

Eunica%20norica%20norica%203253 001a - Butterflies Store

Eunica norica, Tatama NP, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins

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Butterfly of
Scientific Name
Eunica norica
by
HEWITSON, 1852
Family
SubFamily
BIBLIDINAE
Tribe
EPICALIINI
SubTribe
EPICALIINA

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