Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Orange-barred
Emesis
Emesis cypria
FELDER & FELDER, 1861
Family - RIODINIDAE
subfamily -
RIODININAE
Tribe -
Incertae sedis
Emesis cypria, Satipo, Peru
Introduction
There
are 41 known species
of Emesis, all of which are confined to the
neotropical region.
Most Emesis species have fairly unicolorous
orange-brown wings,
marked with dots and dashes similar in pattern to cypria,
but only the latter has the prominent orange bands. It is very much like a
miniature Adelpha salmoneus - although this is more
likely to be coincidence than mimicry, as I can think of no unpalateable or
toxic species which would serve as a model.
Emesis
cypria is distributed from Mexico to Bolivia.
There are 5 recognised subspecies.
Emesis cypria, Satipo, Peru
Habitats
This
is a cloudforest species found at altitudes between about 500-2000m.
It tends to be seen most often in mildly disturbed habitats including forest
trails, glades and clearings; and along roadsides and riverbanks.
Lifecycle
I have no
information specific to cypria. The eggs of
Emesis species are typically white and highly
sculptured. They are laid singly or in clusters of up to 30, according to
species. The known larval foodplants encompass the families Ranunculaceae,
Euphorbiaceae, Rhizophoraceae, Sterculiaceae, Anacardiaceae and Nyctaginaceae.
Adult behaviour
This
species is normally encountered as solitary males, seen when imbibing moisture
from damp soil, or when perching or basking on the foliage of bushes or herbaceous plants.
It has a quite rapid flight over short distances, but tends to remain settled
for long periods, even in hot sunshine.
Emesis cypria, Satipo, Peru
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