Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
8-spot Numberwing
Callicore felderi cajetani
GUENÉE, 1872
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
BIBLIDINAE
Tribe - CALLICORINI
Callicore
felderi cajetani,
Tingo Maria, Peru
Introduction
There are about 20 species in the genus
Callicore,
all of which bear distinctive and graphic patterns on the underside hindwings,
often resembling numbers or letters of the alphabet. A few have more abstract
patterns such as the row of 8 spots found on
felderi. The uppersides of all
Callicore species are black, marked on the forewings with bright red or orange bands.
The hindwings of some species also have red or orange markings but in most species
they are plain black, with a brilliant reflective blue sheen.
Unfortunately these beautiful butterflies are killed in vast
numbers for their wings which are used by the souvenir trade for the production
of decorated plates, jewellery, place mats and other trivia.
Callicore felderi
appears to be restricted to Peru.
Habitats
This species is found in lowland Amazonian rainforest
at altitudes between about 200-1500m on the eastern slopes of the Peruvian
Andes.
Lifecycle
I have no
information specific to felderi. In most
Callicore species the eggs are white, and are laid
singly on Serjania,
Allophylus or other Sapindaceae.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are usually encountered as solitary males.
They have a rapid and powerful flight over short distances.
Males often visit sandbanks to imbibe dissolved minerals from
urine-soaked ground.
In
hot sunny weather they
habitually settle on the arms, legs and backs of humans to imbibe
sweat.
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