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Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Peppered Spurwing
Antigonus mutilatus
HOPFFER, 1874
Family - HESPERIIDAE
subfamily -
PYRGINAE
Tribe - PYRGINI
Antigonus
mutilatus, Tingo Maria, Peru
Introduction
The
Pyrginae, commonly called Flats or Spreadwings, are found in temperate and
tropical habitats throughout the world. In the neotropical region there are
about 990 described species, of which 581 are placed in the tribe Pyrgini, which
includes such well known genera as Urbanus, Astraptes, Bolla, Pyrgus, Erynnis, Sostrata,
Antigonus
and Mylon.
Skippers in the genus
Antigonus are
usually known as Spurwings, due to the scallop and projecting spur at the apex
of the hindwing. There are 9 species, all restricted to the neotropical region. They
typically have dark velvety wings, peppered with grey, brown or cream scales
according to species.
Antigonus
mutilatus is probably restricted to the upper Amazonian region of Peru,
but could possibly also occur in neighbouring parts of Brazil, Ecuador and / or
Bolivia.
Habitats
This is an uncommon and localised species, found in primary rainforest and
cloudforest habitats at altitudes between about 300-1500m.
Lifecycle
The lifecycle appears to be unrecorded. Generally, Pyrgine
butterflies lay their eggs singly on either the upperside or underside of
leaves. The larvae are typically dull green or brownish, with thin longitudinal
lines along the back and sides, and with black shiny heads. They feed typically
on low growing herbaceous plants, but a small percentage feed on the leaves of
bushes or trees. The pupae are usually dark and smooth, with the wing cases in a
contrasting tone or colour. They are normally formed within silken tents formed
by spinning together the leaves of the foodplant.
Adult behaviour
Males are usually seen singly,
when imbibing moisture from damp sand or mud. They are often found
amongst mixed aggregations of Achlyodes, Anastrus and other Pyrgines.
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