Introduction
The Pyrginae, popularly known as Flats or Spreadwings, are a cosmopolitan subfamily distributed across temperate and tropical habitats throughout the world. In the Americas there are 990 species, of which about 580 are assigned to the tribe Pyrgini.
The genus Plumbago comprises of 3 species – plumbago, pulverea and serapion, all of which are restricted to the neotropical region.
Plumbago plumbago is found in Ecuador, Brazil and Peru.
Habitats
This beautiful species occurs in rainforest, at altitudes between about 200-1000 metres.
Lifecycle
The lifecycle appears to be unrecorded. Generally, Pyrgine butterflies lay their eggs singly on either the upperside or underside of leaves. The larvae are typically dull green or brownish, with thin longitudinal lines along the back and sides, and with black shiny heads. They feed typically on low growing herbaceous plants, but a small percentage feed on the leaves of bushes or trees. The pupae are usually dark and smooth, with the wing cases in a contrasting tone or colour. They are normally formed within silken tents formed by spinning together the leaves of the foodplant.
Adult behaviour
This species is usually found singly. It is active only on hot sunny days, when it can be found basking on foliage in areas where dappled sunlight reaches the forest understorey.