Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Tiger-mimic Queen
Lycorea halia HÜBNER,
1816
Family -
NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
DANAINAE
Tribe - DANAINI
introduction
|
habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
Lycorea halia,
Satipo, Peru
Introduction
The subfamily Danainae has members on all continents, including
the Monarch Danaus plexippus, the
Euploea Crows of south-east
Asia, the Tirumala Blue Tigers of Africa, and the Ithomiine Tigers
and Glasswings of South America.
Also present in South America are 3 butterflies in the genus
Lycorea, all strongly marked, quite large insects, with rounded
wings.
In common with other members of the Danainae, the bodies of
adult Lycorea species contain toxins that can cause vomiting and
other unpleasant side-effects for any bird that attempts to eat
them. Studies have demonstrated that birds are able to remember
the orange and black "tiger" pattern of these unpalateable
butterflies, and to associate it with discomfort or pain, so a bird which has
tasted a Danaus,
Mechanitis or Lycorea species avoids eating any
butterfly ( including non-toxic species ) with a similar colour
scheme.
Lycorea halia (
previously known as L. cleobaea ), is a widespread species, found
from Mexico to Peru, and on most of the larger islands of the
Caribbean.
Habitats
To
be completed.
Lycorea halia,
Satipo, Peru
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The adults are usually encountered singly, either at rest on
foliage within the forest, or when nectaring at
Heliotropium or
Eupatorium.
Lycorea halia,
Rio Pindayo, Peru
|
