Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Black-banded White
Itaballia demophile
LINNAEUS, 1776
Family - PIERIDAE
subfamily -
PIERINAE
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Itaballia
demophile, Rio Pindayo, Peru |
Introduction
The genus
Itaballia contains only 3
species -
pandosia,
marana
and
demophile,
all confined to the neotropical region.
Itaballia
demophile is the commonest and most widespread member of the genus, being
found from Mexico to Paraguay. Both sexes are similar in appearance, but the
markings of the female are heavier and browner.
Habitats
The butterfly is found in disturbed habitats including forest clearings,
riverbanks, roadsides, fields, cattle pastures and wasteland, at altitudes
between sea level and at least 800m.
Lifecycle
The following applies in
general to the genus Itaballia :
The
eggs are yellow, and laid singly under the leaves of
Capparis
( Capparidaceae ). The
larvae are typically green with yellow and blue tubercles.
The
chrysalis is whitish and adorned with black spikes on the back. It is formed on
a mat of silk spun on the upper surface of
Capparis
leaves.
Adult behaviour
Males
are usually seen in small numbers, amidst mixed aggregations of
Pieridae and Papilionidae mud-puddling on river sandbanks,
seepages and other sources of mineralised moisture. Both sexes
nectar at Lantana,
Psychotria and
Hamelia.
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