Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Lavinia Glasswing
Hypoleria lavinia
HEWITSON, 1855
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
DANAINAE
Tribe - ITHOMIINI
subtribe -
GODYRIDINI
introduction
|
habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
Hypoleria lavinia,
Mariposa, Satipo, Peru
Introduction
The subfamily
Ithomiinae contains 372 known species, all of which are confined
to the neotropics
( one species from Australasia,
Tellervo zoilus
was previously included in the Ithomiini but has now been
reclassified and placed in the tribe Tellervini ).
Ithomiines
can be divided rather unscientifically into 2 groups - the
Tiger-mimics and the transparent Glasswings, although there are
several species which have characteristics of both groups. The
genus Hypoleria
for example includes taxa such as sarepta and ocalea which have
translucent bluish wings but are heavily marked with orange.
Hypoleria lavinia
is very similar in appearance to
Brevioleria aelia
- the 2 species can only be distinguished with certainty by
examining the hindwing venation under a powerful magnifier.
Hypoleria lavinia
is found from Guatemala to Peru.
Hypoleria lavinia,
Mariposa, Satipo, Peru
Habitats
This species is found in primary rainforest at altitudes between about 100-1000
metres.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are normally encountered singly although several
may be found within an area of about a hectare. They are usually seen when
perching on foliage in light gaps, but are very nervous in
disposition, flitting off deep into the understorey if approached.
Hypoleria lavinia,
Mariposa, Satipo, Peru
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