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Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Zelphanta Numberwing
Callicore hystaspes
FABRICIUS, 1781
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
BIBLIDINAE
Tribe - CALLICORINI
Callicore
hystaspes zelphanta, Rio Pindayo, 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. The uppersides of all
species are blackish, marked on the forewings with bright red or orange bands.
The hindwings of several species also have red or orange markings but in most species
they are plain black, with a very reflective brilliant 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.
In hystaspes
the upperside forewings of the male are black, with a broad red diagonal swathe,
and a cream crescent at the apex. The basal area of the
forewings, and the outer third of the hindwings are both metallic blue. The
female is similar but paler in colour, and has more rounded wings.
This
species is found in the upper Amazonian regions of Brazil, Ecuador and Peru. The
Peruvian sub-species is known as zelphanta.
Habitats
Tropical
rainforest
at altitudes between circa 200-800m.
In common with other members of the genus, this species is frequently found close to habitations.
Lifecycle
I have no
information specific to hystaspes. In most
Callicore species the eggs are white, and are laid
singly on Serjania,
Allophylus or other Sapindaceae.
Adult behaviour
Males often visit sandbanks to imbibe dissolved minerals from
urine-soaked ground, and can often be seen in one's and two's on
river sandbanks or in the vicinity of habitations in forested
areas.
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