Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Xantochlora Grass
Yellow
Eurema xantochlora
KOLLAR, 1850
Family - PIERIDAE
subfamily -
COLIADINAE
introduction
|
habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
Eurema xantochlora, male, Satipo, Peru
Introduction
Older reference books list
Eurema
as having about 30 neotropical representatives, but
several have now been reclassified in
Pyrisitia,
leaving a total of 19 currently recognised Eurema species in the neotropical region.
These smallish butterflies are characterised by having yellow or white
uppersides, with dark apical markings. The forewings have a strongly curved
costa and a squarish apex. The hindwings of many Eurema species are rounded but in xantochlora
the termen is projected to a point, which tends to be longer in dry season
forms.
E.
xantochlora has
heavier mottling on the underside than most other
Eurema
species, but the most reliable diagnostic character is the shape of the black
border on the upperside forewing.
Eurema
xantochlora occurs
from Costa Rica to Bolivia.
Eurema xantochlora, male,
dry season form, Rio Madre de Dios, Peru
Habitats
This species breeds in disturbed semi-open forest edge habitats,
which may include roadsides, riverbanks, secondary forest and farmland at
altitudes between sea level and about 1800m.
Lifecycle
Other
Eurema
species
lay their eggs singly on Mimosaceae, Caesalpinaceae, Simaroubaceae
or Fabaceae, according to species. The foodplant of
xantochlora
is unknown.
Eurema larvae are typically dull green, with a whitish line along the sides, and a
rough texture. The pupae are typically pale green or yellowish, with a prominent
keel, but I have no data specific to
xantochlora.
Eurema xantochlora, female, Peru
( image © Tony
Hoare )
Adult behaviour
Males
are usually encountered singly, or occasionally in two's or
three's, seen imbibing dissolved minerals from sandbanks, peccary
wallows, salt licks and the edges of muddy puddles adjacent to forested areas.
Females are more
often seen nectaring at flowers along roadsides and riverbanks, or
when exploring sunny wood edge habitats in search of egg-laying
sites.
The flight is fluttery but
fairly rapid, and usually close to the ground.
Eurema xantochlora, male, Satipo, Peru |
