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Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Hewitson's Pigmy
Baeotis bacaenis
HEWITSON, 1874
Family - RIODINIDAE
subfamily -
RIODININAE
Tribe -
Baeotis bacaenis,
Catarata Bayoz, Le Merced, Peru
Introduction
There are at least 20 species in the genus
Baeotis, found variously from Mexico to Bolivia.
Most are very similar in appearance, with creamy or whitish markings, and
metallic silvery submarginal lines, on a dark brown or sooty ground colour. They
are all very small butterflies, no larger than 2cms in wingspan.
Baeotis
bacaenis is a fairy common and widespread species, found in the
foothills of the eastern Andes of Ecuador and Peru.
Habitats
This is a lowland rainforest species which is usually found
in the vicinity of streams, ditches or wet ground, at altitudes between about
200-500m. The butterfly is on the wing throughout the year.
Lifecycle
The lifecycle and larval foodplants are unknown.
Adult behaviour
This butterfly is often seen singly, but
nevertheless it is not uncommon to find a dozen in close proximity, if attracted
to seepages or urine-tainted ground in semi-shaded conditions.
The butterflies habitually bask with their wings
held flat, and with the forewings angled forward, as shown in the photograph at
the top of this page.
Baeotis bacaenis,
Satipo, Peru
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