Siseme pallas, Arrierito Piha reserve, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
The genus Siseme comprises of 9 known species, all found exclusively in the neotropical region.
The various species are all of similar shape, but differ in colour and pattern – militaris for example is plain grey, except for a broad orange horizontal streak along the costa of the hindwing. The other species are grey or dark brown in colour, and marked according to species with bands or patches of white or orange. In many species there is a paler outer band, often in the form of grey rays running parallel to the veins.
Siseme pallas is extremely similar to neurodes but can be distinguished from it by the shape of the orange spots at the tornus.Siseme pallas is found in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. There are 3 subspecies.
Habitats
This species is found in cloudforest habitats at elevations between about 800-2000 metres.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The males are most often seen on warm overcast days, when they settle on the ground with wings either fully outspread. Females are virtually unknown, and probably spend their entire lives high in the forest canopy.