Post by trehopr1 on Oct 16, 2020 0:27:56 GMT -8
In the primary rainforests of the Neotropical region exists a small group of Satyrine butterflies very much unlike --- well, what we typically expect of Satyr butterflies (in terms of color). Unlike the usual brown or tan butterflies with eyespots which most of us have come to know by living in the Northern hemisphere; these lovelies are of rather transparent wings with bold splashes of reds, pinks, purples, and even blues on their hindwings.
These butterflies are sometimes referred to as "phantoms". They belong to the tribe Haeterini and comprise 5 genera: Pierella, Pseudohaetera, Haetera, Dulcedo, and Cithaerias. All the butterflies of the latter 4 genera have rounded transparent wings, with small ocelli at the apex of the hindwings.
Cithaerias butterflies in particular are quite elusive rainforest dwellers. They are almost always encountered singly and they tend to be found in the darkest and dampest recesses of the forest. Observers have reported that they appear to be localised in occurrence and can move rapidly if disturbed. They can sometimes be found in the middle of the day but, are far more often encountered at dusk than at any other time...
Below, I offer up 2 of my "phantoms"...
Top specimen: Cithaerias pyritosa (Brazil)
Bottom specimen: Cithaerias aurorina (Peru)
Emerging near dusk affords these butterflies some measure of safety from birds and it is at this time they feed at rotting palm fruits on the forest floor, or on fluids exuded from decomposing fungi.
There is contention amongst taxonomists as to the true number of Cithaerias species. Some list as few as 5 whilst yet others recognize upwards of 15. I have acquired 5 distinct species myself (over the years); amongst my meager holdings of 12 specimens.
I think the prettiest species of the Cithaerias (in my humble opinion) are to be found in Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. I have traveled to both Ecuador and Bolivia however, despite my best efforts I only encountered but, one single C. aurorina such as that pictured above.
An even more outstanding species of Cithaerias (beyond the above pictured) is Brazil's seldom seen/offered Cithaerias andromeda bandusia (with blue HW patches) ! ---- *Thank you Paul K for the photo in your below post.
Below, is my favorite all time "cute" photograph (taken from the Internet)* of a most curious and relaxed Cithaerias...
Hope you have enjoyed my brief discussion of these "phantoms" of the rainforest !
These butterflies are sometimes referred to as "phantoms". They belong to the tribe Haeterini and comprise 5 genera: Pierella, Pseudohaetera, Haetera, Dulcedo, and Cithaerias. All the butterflies of the latter 4 genera have rounded transparent wings, with small ocelli at the apex of the hindwings.
Cithaerias butterflies in particular are quite elusive rainforest dwellers. They are almost always encountered singly and they tend to be found in the darkest and dampest recesses of the forest. Observers have reported that they appear to be localised in occurrence and can move rapidly if disturbed. They can sometimes be found in the middle of the day but, are far more often encountered at dusk than at any other time...
Below, I offer up 2 of my "phantoms"...
Top specimen: Cithaerias pyritosa (Brazil)
Bottom specimen: Cithaerias aurorina (Peru)
Emerging near dusk affords these butterflies some measure of safety from birds and it is at this time they feed at rotting palm fruits on the forest floor, or on fluids exuded from decomposing fungi.
There is contention amongst taxonomists as to the true number of Cithaerias species. Some list as few as 5 whilst yet others recognize upwards of 15. I have acquired 5 distinct species myself (over the years); amongst my meager holdings of 12 specimens.
I think the prettiest species of the Cithaerias (in my humble opinion) are to be found in Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. I have traveled to both Ecuador and Bolivia however, despite my best efforts I only encountered but, one single C. aurorina such as that pictured above.
An even more outstanding species of Cithaerias (beyond the above pictured) is Brazil's seldom seen/offered Cithaerias andromeda bandusia (with blue HW patches) ! ---- *Thank you Paul K for the photo in your below post.
Below, is my favorite all time "cute" photograph (taken from the Internet)* of a most curious and relaxed Cithaerias...
Hope you have enjoyed my brief discussion of these "phantoms" of the rainforest !
