Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Two-tone Skipper
Remella remus
FABRICIUS, 1798
Family - HESPERIIDAE
subfamily -
HESPERIINAE
Remella remus
Tingo Maria, Peru
Introduction
In the neotropical region there are 2365 described species of
Hesperiidae. The family is divided into 5 subfamilies - Pyrrhopyginae ( Swifts - 163 sp
), Heteropterinae ( Chequered Skippers - 139 sp ), Megathyminae ( Trap-door
Skippers - 32 sp ), Pyrginae ( Spreadwings - 991 sp ), and Hesperiinae
( Grass Skippers - 1040 sp ).
The
Hesperiinae are known as Grass Skippers, because their larvae feed on
grasses, bamboos and other monocotyledons.
The genus Remella
is very easily recognised due to the distinctive white central band on the
under-side hindwings.
There are 5 known species in the genus - duena,
rita and vopiscus are
found in Central America, while remus and
cusullunia are South American
species.
Remella
remus is distributed from Panama to Bolivia.
Habitats
This species is found in disturbed habitats including forest clearings,
riverbanks and roadsides at altitudes between about 400-1800m.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
These butterflies are
usually encountered singly in sheltered areas, e.g. along wide grassy forest
trails, woodland edge habitats, roadsides and riverbanks. They are generally
discovered sitting on the foliage of bushes or herbaceous plants.
|
