Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Twin-spot Banded
Skipper
Autochton
bipunctatus
GMELIN, 1790
Family - HESPERIIDAE
subfamily -
PYRGINAE
Tribe - EUDAMINI
Autochton bipunctatus,
Yarinacocha, Pucallpa, Peru
Introduction
The
tribe Eudamini includes 44 genera in the neotropical region, amongst which are
the Long-tailed Skippers
Urbanus,
Chioides
and
Aguna;
and such familiar genera as
Phocides,
Autochton,
Astraptes
and
Calaenorrhinus.
The
genus Autochton,
previously known as Cecropterus, comprises of 13
smallish species which are characterised by having chocolate brown wings that bear a
single white or creamy median band, and either 2 or 3 tiny apical spots. Most
species also have a whitish margin to the hindwings. They can be distinguished
by differences in the shape of the median band, the configuration and number of
apical spots, and the pattern on the underside hindwings.
Autochton bipunctatus
is a common and widespread species found from Colombia to
Bolivia.
Autochton bipunctatus,
Yarinacocha, Pucallpa, Peru
Habitats
This species occurs in forest edge habitats at altitudes between sea level and
about 1000 metres.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The
butterflies are usually encountered singly, and normally seen
basking with wings outspread on low foliage. They roost overnight
under the leaves of trees and bushes.
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