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protected by Copyright © Adrian Hoskins
2007, and must not be published
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Butterflies of
the Amazon rainforest
Tiger with Tails
Consul fabius
CRAMER, 1776
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
CHARAXINAE
Tribe - ANAEINI
introduction
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habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
Text and photographs protected by Copyright © Adrian
Hoskins 2007-2008, and must not be reproduced or published in part
or in whole elsewhere in any form without written permission from
Adrian Hoskins. Breach of copyright will be pursued by litigation.
Website designed, produced and owned by
Adrian Hoskins
Consul fabius,
Manu Biosphere Reserve, Peru
Introduction
There
are 4 species in the genus
Consul,
of which
fabius
is the commonest, most widespread and well known. It's distinctively shaped
forewings, tailed hindwings, and bright orange and black tiger pattern make it
instantly recognisable when at rest, although it can easily be confused with
other members of the "tiger-complex" mimicry ring when seen in flight.
The
butterfly occurs from Mexico to Bolivia.
Habitats
The habitats of this species are diverse, and include deciduous forest,
rainforest and lower cloudforest, at elevations between sea level and about
1200m.
Consul fabius, Manu Biosphere Reserve, Peru
Lifecycle
The pale green, rounded
eggs are laid singly on the leaves of various species of Piperaceae.
The
caterpillar, when fully grown is smooth skinned, and dark green, stained with
reddish along the back, with yellow spiracles. It's head is black, with yellow
stripes, and 2 knob-like horns. It rests within a rolled up leaf, emerging only
for brief spells to feed.
The
chrysalis is smooth and green, with a black cremaster. The abdominal segments
are compacted and strongly tapered.
Adult behaviour
The males spend much of their time in the forest canopy, and can most easily be observed from the vantage point of a canopy tower or observation platform. In the mornings they often bask for long periods on foliage at heights between 5-15 metres.
Females descend at about midday to oviposit, and can sometimes be seen settled on low foliage with wings closed. Periodically they circle around, and then investigate low foliage in light gaps, looking for oviposition sites.
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