Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Magnificent Leafwing
Coenophlebia archidona
HEWITSON, 1860
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
CHARAXINAE
Tribe - ANAEINI
Coenophlebia archidona, Satipo, Peru
Introduction
The
tribe Anaeini comprises of 87 species in the genera
Coenophlebia,
Consul,
Memphis,
Siderone,
Polygrapha,
Anaea,
Fountainea
and
Zaretis. All are neotropical in distribution, although 3 species
(
Anaea troglodyta, Fountainea
glycerium and Memphis pithyusa ) have ranges
that extend into the southern USA. The butterflies are characterised by having a very
rapid and strong flight. They have stout bodies and falcate wings. On the upper
surface most species are black, marked with bands of orange, bright red, or
lustrous blue according to species. In the case of
Coenophlebia archidona the upper wing surface is orange, with a marbling
of dark brown around the apex and outer margins.
The undersides of all the Anaeini
are cryptically patterned in mottled brown tones, and bear a very strong
resemblance to dead leaves. Coenophlebia archidona
is the grand master of disguise - not only is it the shape and
colour of a desiccated fallen leaf, it also has markings that very effectively simulate
the midrib and leaf veins; and even clusters of what appear to be "eaten holes"
nibbled by insects. There are few, if any, other butterflies anywhere in the
world that can match the perfect disguise
of this species.
Coenophlebia archidona is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru and
Bolivia.
Coenophlebia archidona, Satipo, Peru
Habitats
This species occurs in rainforest and transitional cloudforest habitats, at elevations between
about 100-800m.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Coenophlebia archidona, wing detail
Adult behaviour
Like all members of the Anaeini this butterfly is
strongly attracted
to decaying matter on the forest floor. When feeding it seems to
be extremely "confident" about the effectiveness of it's
camouflage, and is extremely tolerant of disturbance by bees,
wasps, ants and butterfly photographers !
The short needle-like proboscis of
this species suggests that it is adapted for piercing fruit, which
may be the main source of sustenance. I have not observed the
butterfly at fallen fruit however, so it is probable that it feeds
on ripening fruit in the tree tops.
Coenophlebia archidona, Satipo, Peru
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