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Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Cherry-spot
Adelotypa annulifera
GODMAN, 1903
Family - RIODINIDAE
subfamily -
RIODININAE
Tribe -
Adelotypa
annulifera,
Rio Alto Madre de Dios, Peru
© Tony Hoare
Introduction
The genus Adelotypa includes 29
currently recognised species, but is in the process of revision. It
is likely that the illustrated taxon annulifera
will ultimately be transferred to a newly erected genus which recognises differences
between this and most other Adelotypa species.
Habitats
This species is found in primary rainforest at altitudes
between about 400-700m.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The butterfly illustrated is a female, and was photographed
imbibing fluid from the surface of a leaf, in riparian forest on the Rio Alto
Madre de Dios, Peru. There were several large ants in attendance, also
imbibing the same fluid. The
nature of the fluid is unknown, but may possibly be a secretion produced by
aphids or other Homopterans. The fact that the Adelotypa
is feeding unmolested suggests that the butterfly probably emits a chemical
signal which appeases the ants. If this is the case it would tend to indicate
that feeding on this fluid in the company of ants is a process that has evolved
over millions of years, and may also indicate that the larvae and pupae of these
butterflies live in association with ants.
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