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Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Malvina Purplewing
Eunica malvina
BATES, 1864
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
BIBLIDINAE
Tribe - EPICALIINI
subtribe -
EPICALIINA
Eunica
malvina, male, Rio Madre de Dios, Peru
Introduction
The
genus
Eunica
contains 40 species colloquially known as Purplewings due to the dazzling purple
or metallic blue iridescence on the uppersides of the males. Females lack the
iridescence, and are typically a dull earthy brown colour with a diagonal white
band across the forewings. The underside hindwings of most species are
beautifully marbled, and bear a
distinctive arrangement of ocelli.
There is a vague hint of
purple at the base of the upperside in the male of malvina but this butterfly lacks the
deep purple lustre found in many other Eunica
species.
Eunica
malvina is
distributed from Mexico to Brazil and Peru.
Eunica
malvina, male, Rio Madre de Dios, Peru
Habitats
This species is found in deciduous and evergreen forests at altitudes between 0-800m.
Lifecycle
The lifecycle of Eunica
species in general is poorly known and I can find no published details of the early stages
of this species. The eggs of most Eunica
species are laid singly on the flowers and leaf buds of trees including Mabea
( Euphorbiaceae ) and
Bursera ( Burseraceea ). The larvae are
likely to vary considerably in colouration and pattern from species to species,
but generally have short spines along the sides, and a single row of longer
erect spines on the last 3 segments of the body.
Adult behaviour
Females are normally
encountered
singly, flying in light gaps in the forest understorey or basking
on bushes along forest trails. Males also bask on foliage,
particularly in late afternoon when storm clouds begin to gather.
They are also often seen in two's and three's on river beaches and dry
river beds in mixed aggregations.
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