Introduction
The tribe Melitaeini is of worldwide distribution. It includes the Crescents and Checkerspots of North America, and many familiar European species such as the Marsh, Spotted and Heath Fritillaries.
There are 16 known species in the genus Anthanassa, most of which are confined to the neotropical region, although 3 are found in the USA.
Anthanassa drusilla is a widespread insect found from Mexico to Bolivia. The illustrated subspecies drusilla alceta is confined to the eastern Andes of Ecuador and Peru. In the more widely distributed and familiar subspecies drusilla drusilla the orange band on the forewing is greatly reduced in size, and broken up into 2 small orange spots.
Habitats
This species is found in disturbed areas of tropical and subtropical forest, including clearings, river banks, roadsides, pastures and other open areas, at altitudes between 200-1000m.
Lifecycle
The lifecycle and larval foodplants are unrecorded.
Adult behaviour
The illustrated butterfly was found in an area where large numbers of Melitaeines were aggregating to imbibe moisture, but unlike the other species this insect preferred shady conditions, and was the only individual of it’s type seen.
