Introduction
The genus Telipna comprises of 25 species, all Afrotropical in distribution. The various species are all very similar in appearance. They are probably mimics of toxic Aletis Geometrid moths.
Telipna maesseni is endemic to the forests of the Volta region, and the Likpe Hills on the Ghana / Togo border.
Habitats
This species is found in rainforest at altitudes between about 100-400m.
Lifecycle
The caterpillars browse on blue-green algae coating the bark of trees. Unlike most other Liptenid species they do not appear to be associated with ants.
Adult behaviour
Telipna maesseni is found in denser parts of the forest, but usually in areas where the understorey is fairly open. The butterflies randomly undertake short flights, and are quick on the wing, although the wing-beats are fluttery. They spend long periods at the extra-floral nectaries of Marantaceae.
In common with other Liptenids, they are easiest to find at dusk, when they go to roost, sitting at the end of thin dry twigs, usually quite close to the ground.