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Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Stichel's Metalmark
Argyrogrammana
sticheli
TALBOT, 1929
Family -
RIODINIDAE
subfamily -
RIODININAE
Tribe -
Incertae sedis
Argyrogrammana sticheli
female,
Rio Cristalino, Brazil
© Tony Hoare
Introduction
Argyrogrammana comprises of 33
described species, all restricted to the neotropical region. All
are small butterflies which share a common wing shape, but the
colours and patterns vary considerably from species to species. The wings
of Argyrogrammana stilbe for example
are yellow, covered with dozens of tiny reddish dots; while
trochila has a metallic blue ground
colour and is decorated with a series of fine black stripes.
Argyrogrammana sticheli in common with most species in the
genus is sexually dimorphic. In males the forewing is mostly
black, with patches of metallic blue in the post median and
subapical areas, while in the female the orange is deeper in hue, and on the
forewings is restricted to the basal area.
This species is found
in the Amazonian lowlands, from Guyana and Venezuela, south to
Mato Grosso in Brazil, and probably beyond.
Habitats
Argyrogrammana sticheli
appears to be confined to the Amazonian lowlands, at altitudes
between about 200-600m.
Lifecycle
The larvae feed on Clusiaceae.
Adult behaviour
Both sexes tend to be found singly, often sharing their habitats
with Mesene and
Euselasia species. They have an erratic but not
particularly rapid flight, and settle habitually under the leaves
of ferns and other low vegetation.
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