Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Hesperis Numberwing
Callicore hesperis
GUÉRIN-MÉNEVILLE, 1844
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
BIBLIDINAE
Tribe - CALLICORINI
Callicore
hesperis, Satipo, 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 irregular row of 6 spots found on
hesperis. All Callicore species have black
uppersides, marked on the forewings with bright red or orange bands.
The hindwings of some species also have red markings but in most species
including hesperis 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 hesperis
is found in Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.
Habitats
This species is found in tropical rainforest at
altitudes between about 200-1000m.
Callicore
hesperis, Satipo, Peru
Lifecycle
I have no
information specific to hesperis. In most
Callicore species the eggs are white, and are laid
singly on Serjania,
Allophylus or other Sapindaceae.
Adult behaviour
Males visit sandbanks to imbibe dissolved minerals from
urine-soaked ground, but are usually only seen as singletons,
often amidst small aggregations of other
Callicore and Diaethria
species.
Callicore
hesperis, Satipo, Peru
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