Epiphile eriopis, Tatama NP, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
The Biblidinae are recognised by their diverse but simple and colourful patterns. In the neotropics their representatives include the tribe Epiphilina, which includes the genera Pyrrhogyra, Asterope, Temenis, Nica, Peria, Lucinia, Bolboneura and Epiphile.
There are 16 Epiphile species, distributed variously from Mexico to Bolivia. All have a similar pattern of bright orange bands on a dark brown ground colour. In males of most species the dark areas are overlaid with a strong purple-blue iridescence. In females the orange is replaced by white, and there is no iridescence. The underside hindwings of all species are similar to those of chrysites, having a marbled pattern with a series of post-median ocelli and a cream ‘tooth’ mark on the costa.
Epiphile eriopis is distributed from Nicaragua to Colombia.
Epiphile eriopis, Tatama NP, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins
Habitats
This species is found on the eastern slope of the Andes, at altitudes between about 1000-1800m.
Epiphile eriopis, Tatama NP, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Epiphile eriopis, Tatama NP, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins
Adult behaviour
Both sexes spend most of the day high in the canopy, but males occasionally descend to imbibe moisture from damp ground. At such times they often bask with wings outspread.
Epiphile eriopis, Tatama NP, Colombia – Adrian Hoskins