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Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Common Banded
Skipper
Autochton neis
GEYER, 1832
Family - HESPERIIDAE
subfamily -
PYRGINAE
Tribe - EUDAMINI
Autochton neis, Rio Madre de
Dios, 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 neis
is the commonest and most widespread species in the genus, found from Mexico to
Bolivia.
Habitats
This species occurs in forest edge habitats at altitudes between sea level and
about 1500 metres.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The
butterflies are usually encountered singly, and normally seen
basking with wings outspread on low foliage.
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