Temenis laothoe form violetta, Rio Madre de Dios, Peru – Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
The genus Temenis is closely allied to Epiphile and Nica, in which the adults are structurally very similar. The 3 genera are biologically distinguished by differences in larval morphology.
There are 3 Temenis species. T.pulchra has more rounded wings than laothoe, and has a broad pinkish red diagonal band running from midway along the costa to the tornus. The inner two-thirds of the wings are also bright pinkish red, and are flushed with a purple sheen. T.huebneri has a similar wing shape to laothoe, but has a broad orange band across the forewings, and orange hindwings.
Temenis laothoe occurs in 2 colour forms. The most common and widespread form is bright orange in colour, except for the apex of the forewing, which is dark brown. This form is distributed from Mexico to Bolivia.
A small percentage of each brood are of the extraordinarily beautiful violetta form, as illustrated above. This form of the species ( if indeed it is the same species ) only appears to be known from Colombia to southern Peru. Both forms often occur side by side at the same sites and at the same time of year.
Temenis laothoe normal form, Satipo, Peru – Adrian Hoskins
Habitats
This species is found mainly in primary rainforest and transitional rainforest / cloudforest habitats at altitudes between 0-1600m. It also occurs in much lower numbers in humid deciduous habitats such as Guanacaste in Costa Rica.
Temenis laothoe form violetta, Rio Madre de Dios, Peru – Adrian Hoskins
Lifecycle
The eggs are white, and laid singly on leaves of Serjania, Paullinia, Cardiospermum, Urvillea and other shrubs and vines in the family Sapindaceae. These plants contain toxins which are probably sequestered by laothoe larvae, and passed on to the adult butterflies, rendering them unpalatable and noxious to birds.
Temenis laothoe normal form, Rio Madre de Dios, Peru – Adrian Hoskins
Adult behaviour
The butterflies often settle to bask on foliage, typically at height between 2-3 metres above ground level. They also commonly bask on logs, fallen branches, wooden fence posts and tree stumps. When basking the wings are always held in a three-quarters open position.
Males often hop about from spot to spot on the ground on river beaches, peccary wallows, semi-dry stream beds and wet roadsides. They are nervous in disposition and often fan their wings slowly when they stop momentarily to imbibe moisture. If undisturbed they settle down after a few minutes to rest with their wings held erect.
Temenis laothoe, Satipo, Peru – Adrian Hoskins