Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Capenas Bluewing
Myscelia capenas
HEWITSON, 1857
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
BIBLIDINAE
Tribe - EPICALIINI
subtribe -
EPICALIINA
|
 |
|
Myscelia capenas, Satipo, Peru |
Introduction
The
genus
Myscelia is closely allied to Eunica and
Catonephele, and like them is restricted to the
neotropical region. Myscelia
contains 9 species. Males of most species have metallic blue and white bars or
patches on the uppersides. Females lack the blue scales, but have more extensive
white markings. The underside hindwings of most species have a dark brown
bark-like appearance.
The shape of the wings varies according to species - in some such as
orsis and aracynthia
the outer margin of the forewing is deeply scalloped, while in others such as
cyanthe and ethusa the
shape is similar to that of capenas.
Myscelia capenas
is the commonest, an unfortunately the least beautiful member of the genus, as
the blue scaling is barely detectable in most specimens. It is the only species
which has an orange bar across the hindwings.
The
butterfly occurs from Colombia to Bolivia.
Habitats
This is a lowland rainforest species found at altitudes between about 200-900m.
It is reputed to be uncommon,
but I have found them easily at
many localities in the foothills of the Andes, and in the upper Amazon basin
regions of Ecuador, Brazil and Peru.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
Females are rarely seen, and
probably spend most of their lives in the canopy.
Males tend to be seen mainly in
the afternoons, in light gaps and small glades in the forest. They
often settle to imbibe moisture from the ground on narrow trails,
and nearly always keep their wings outspread while feeding. They
also commonly bask on logs.
|
