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Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Common Mylon
Mylon maimon
FABRICIUS, 1775
Family -
HESPERIIDAE
subfamily -
PYRGINAE
Tribe - PYRGINI
introduction
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habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
Mylon maimon,
Rio Madre de Dios, Peru
Introduction
The
Pyrginae, known colloquially as Flats or Spreadwings, are found in temperate and
tropical habitats throughout the world. In the neotropical
region there are 990 described species, but it is likely that at least another
50 remain to be discovered. Identifying them is often difficult due to the
lack of illustrated books dealing with the Hesperiidae, so it is frequently
necessary to consult museum specimens and seek the guidance of skipper
specialists.
Fortunately the
illustrated butterfly, Mylon
maimon, is a
distinctive and easily recognised species.
In some reference books the butterfly
is incorrectly listed as Mylon
menander or M. menippus,
but these are junior synonyms -
maimon is the name
currently recognised as valid for this species.
The
genus Mylon
contains 15 known species, all with the same characteristic wing shape and pale
greyish-white ground colour. Some species are faintly marked, while others are
quite heavily marbled with dark brown.
Mylon
maimon is probably
the most widespread species, found from Colombia to Bolivia.
Mylon species, possibly another form of
maimon,
Manu cloudforest, 1600m, Peru
Habitats
This species occurs at elevations from sea level to about 1800m, in semi-open
situations within forested areas. It is usually seen along wide sunlit tracks,
or forest edge habitats.
Lifecycle
The lifecycle appears to be unrecorded. Generally, Pyrgine
butterflies lay their eggs singly on either the upperside or underside of
leaves. The larvae are typically dull green or brownish, with thin longitudinal
lines along the back and sides, and with black shiny heads. They feed typically
on herbaceous plants, but a small percentage feed on the leaves of
bushes or trees. The pupae are usually dark and smooth, with the wing cases in a
contrasting tone or colour. They are normally formed within silken tents formed
by spinning together the leaves of the foodplant.
Adult behaviour
Both sexes bask on bushes or low herbage,
with wings outspread. Males are seen more frequently, usually when
imbibing moisture from around the edges of muddy puddles, or from
damp ditch beds where there is a lot of decaying vegetation.
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