Synargis orestessa, female, Rio Madre de Dios, Peru – Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
The genus Synargis comprises 25 species. The males of most species are similar to Nymphidium – largely white, with broad brown borders distinctively patterned in orange; while the females are noticeably larger than their males, and more strongly marked.
Synargis orestessa is a member of separate sub-group in which the males are strongly reminiscent of Emesis, and the females have a broad, diagonal band on the forewing, stretching from mid-way along the costa towards, but not meeting, the tornus.
This is a widespread and fairly common species in Ecuador, south-east Brazil and Peru.
Habitats
This species is confined to primary lowland rainforest in the Amazon basin, at altitudes below about 800 metres.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
Males are often overlooked because of their resemblance to the very common Emesis mandana. They can sometimes be found imbibing mineralised moisture on sunlit forest tracks.
Females are seen less frequently, and normally encountered in light gaps in the forest where trees have fallen, and sunlight penetrates to ground level. They habitually rest on the upperside of low growing foliage.