Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
White-marked Emesis
Emesis fastidiosa
MÉNÉTRIÉS, 1855
Family - RIODINIDAE
subfamily -
RIODININAE
Tribe -
Incertae sedis
Emesis fastidiosa, male, Satipo,
Peru
Introduction
The
distinctive wing pattern and shape of
Emesis
make them instantly recognisable as a genus, but some of the 41 species can be difficult to tell apart,
requiring
close examination of the markings.
This species, along with
eurydice, castigata,
liodes, aurimna, glaucescens
and spreta was formerly considered to be a "form" or
subspecies of Emesis lucinda, but all of these taxa have since been elevated
to the status of full species.
The male of
Emesis fastidiosa can be distinguished from
lucinda
by the presence of a pale whitish mark near the leading edge of the hindwing.
The
butterfly is found in the eastern Andes of Peru and is widespread in southern
Brazil. It probably also occurs in eastern Ecuador, and in Bolivia.
Habitats
This species occurs in primary rainforest at
altitudes between about 200-900m.
Lifecycle
I have no
information specific to fastidiosa. 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
Males
can sometimes be seen imbibing
moisture from river beaches and road surfaces,
but are more commonly encountered within the forest, where they
can be found on damp and shady paths, or basking on foliage or
logs.
Emesis fastidiosa, male, Satipo,
Peru
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