Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
4-spot Sailor
Dynamine postverta
CRAMER, 1779
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
BIBLIDINAE
Tribe - EUBAGINI
subtribe -
EUBAGINA
Dynamine postverta,
Satipo, Peru
Introduction
The
Biblidinae are known for their diverse but simple and colourful
patterns. In the neotropics their representatives include the subtribe Eubagina,
within which are
placed the 40
Dynamine
species.
Most
Dynamine species
have highly reflective bluish or greenish uppersides, often in combination with a dark
apex and borders. Dynamine postverta is easily
recognised by the group of 4 squarish dark spots on each forewing. The underside
is similar to that of other Dynamine species, being white, marked with
narrow bands of orange. In common with several other species there is also a
pair of blue-centred submarginal ocelli on the underside hindwings.
Dynamine
postverta
( previously
known as D. mylitta )
is the commonest and most widespread member of the genus, being found throughout
most tropical and subtropical areas of central and South America, from Mexico
south to Argentina and Paraguay.
Habitats
This species is found in a wide variety of habitats including primary
rainforest, humid deciduous woodlands, scrubby grassland, farmland etc; at altitudes between
sea level and about 900m.
Lifecycle
The eggs of most
Dynamine
species are white. They are laid singly on the leaf axils or flower buds of
Euphorbiaceae genera such as
Tragia
and
Dalechampia.
The
larvae are described by DeVries as being slug-like, with tiny rosettes of spines
on the back. The
pupae are greenish, elongate, with a slightly bifid head and a pronounced dorsal
keel, and suspended by the cremaster from stems or leaves.
Adult behaviour
The
butterflies are very active in hot sunny conditions, when they can be
seen flying rapidly in zig-zag fashion, investigating along forest
tracks. In the cooler temperatures of early morning they can often
be found basking on foliage, usually with their wings held
half-open.
Males visit dry river beds,
and damp ground along sunlit
forest tracks and roads. They habitually flick their wings open
while moving about in a fairly erratic fashion as they probe for
minerals on the ground.
Dynamine postverta,
Satipo, Peru
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