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Text and photographs
protected by Copyright © Adrian Hoskins
2007, and must not be published
in part or in whole elsewhere without prior written permission from the
author.
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Day-flying moths of
the Amazon rainforest
Green-banded Urania
Urania leilus
Family - URANIIDAE
subfamily -
introduction
|
habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
Urania leilus,
Panacea prola and
Rhetus periander
Introduction
Moth in the family Uraniidae are found in many tropical areas of the world.
Amongst the most beautiful is the Sunset moth
Urania ripheus
which is common in Madagascar and parts of south-east Africa. Other species
occur in India, Malaysia and South America.
There are 2 species
commonly seen in the Amazonian region -
leilus
and fulgens.
The latter species is scarcer, and differs in that it lacks the outermost green
bands on the forewings, and has reduced green markings on the hindwings.
Urania leilus is
found in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Brazil and Peru.
Habitats
Urania leilus
is commonly seen along riverbanks in primary and secondary rainforest at
elevations between sea level and about 800m.
Lifecycle
Unknown.
Urania leilus, Boca Manu, Madre de
Dios, Peru
Adult behaviour
This species is strongly migratory in behaviour, and tends to follow river courses during migrations. The males aggregate with Nymphalids, Riodinids, Pierids and Papilionids on sunlit sandbanks. Often groups of up to 20 Urania will gather at patches of urine, or at the edges of drying pools. They typically bask with wings outspread, and often overlapping those of their neighbours.
Urania leilus, Boca Manu, Madre de Dios, Peru
Text and photographs protected by Copyright © Adrian Hoskins 2007-2008, and must not be reproduced or published in part or in whole elsewhere in any form without written permission from Adrian Hoskins. Breach of copyright will be pursued by litigation. Website designed, produced and owned by Adrian Hoskins |
