|
Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Möschler's
Bent-Skipper
Cycloglypha enega
MÖSCHLER, 1977
Family - HESPERIIDAE
subfamily -
PYRGINAE
Tribe - PYRGINI
Cycloglypha enega, Rio Madre
de Dios, Peru
Introduction
In the neotropical region there are
about 990 described species of Pyrginae - a subfamily of Skippers
characterised by their habit of basking with wings outspread, as opposed to the
half-open position favoured by the Hesperiinae.
The
genus
Cycloglypha
comprises of 6 known species, all confined to the neotropical region. They are
small butterflies averaging about 4 cms in wingspan. The wing pattern of
metallic purplish-blue wavy lines is quite similar to that found in the closely
related genus
Camptopleura
which often flies in the same habitat. Both genera share the habit of folding
down the apex of the forewings when basking, hence the name "bent skippers".
This
species is found from Nicaragua to Bolivia and southern Brazil.
Habitats
This is a forest edge species, found along roadsides, riverbanks and wide forest
trails at altitudes between sea level and about 1000 metres.
Lifecycle
In common with other Pyrgine
butterflies
Cycloglypha lay their eggs singly on either the upperside or underside of
leaves. I have no data regarding the early stages, but the larvae of Pyrgines are typically dull green or brownish, with thin longitudinal
lines along the back and sides, and with black shiny heads. They feed typically
on low growing herbaceous plants, but a small percentage feed on the leaves of
bushes or trees. The pupae are usually dark and smooth, with the wing cases in a
contrasting tone or colour. They are normally formed within silken tents formed
by spinning together the leaves of the foodplant.
Adult behaviour
Males visit sandbanks and
roadsides to imbibe moisture, and often form
mud-puddling aggregations with
Camptopleura,
Chiomara,
Ebrietas
and
Antigonus
species. They have a rapid flight, zig-zagging and flying
about in tight circles just above the surface of the ground.
Females are seen
less often but can occasionally be seen flying around bushes at
forest edge habitats.
|
