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Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Orestessa Metalmark
Synargis orestessa
HÜBNER, 1819
Family - RIODINIDAE
subfamily -
RIODININAE
Tribe - RIODININI
subtribe -
LEMONIADINA
introduction
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habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
Synargis orestessa,
female, Rio Madre de
Dios, Peru
Introduction
The
genus
Synargis
comprises 25 species. The males of most species are similar to
Nymphidium
- largely white, with broad brown borders distinctively patterned in orange;
while the females are noticeably larger than their males, and more strongly
marked.
Synargis orestessa
is a member of separate sub-group in which the males are strongly reminiscent of
Emesis,
and the females have a broad, diagonal
band on the forewing, stretching from mid-way along the costa towards, but not
meeting, the tornus.
This is a widespread and
fairly common species in Ecuador, south-east Brazil and Peru.
Habitats
This species is confined
to primary lowland rainforest in the Amazon basin, at altitudes below about 800
metres.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
Males are often overlooked
because of their resemblance to the very common
Emesis
mandana. They can sometimes be found imbibing mineralised moisture
on sunlit forest tracks.
Females are seen less
frequently, and normally encountered in light gaps in the forest
where trees have fallen, and sunlight penetrates to ground level.
They habitually rest on the upperside of low growing foliage.
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