Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
White-barred Sister
Adelpha epione
GODART, 1824
Family -
NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
LIMENITIDINAE
Tribe - LIMENITIDINI
Adelpha epione epione, Tingo Maria, Peru
Introduction
Adelpha
butterflies are colloquially known as "Sisters". In terms of
appearance they are reminiscent of the White Admirals (
Limenitis
) of Eurasia, and share with them a fondness for flitting gracefully around the
lower branches of trees in the dappled sunlight of the forest.
There are 85 known species of
Adelpha,
all except one of which are confined to Central and South America. They are
characterised by the distinctive black marbled pattern overlaid on a dark brown ground colour; and by
having a broad orange or white band on the
forewings. In the vast majority of species this band also extends vertically
down to the tornus of the hindwings.
Adelpha
epione is a common and widespread butterfly, found from Colombia to
Bolivia. It cannot be confused with any other species.
Adelpha epione epione, Rio Shima,
Satipo, Peru
Habitats
This is a common species of pre-montane rainforest habitats, where it
occurs at elevations between about 400-1200m.
Lifecycle
The
eggs are white, and laid singly on the foliage of
the foodplants, although several females may oviposit on the same plant. In
Costa Rica the larvae are laid on Sabicea villosa,
but it is likely that other species of Rubiaceae are also used, there and
elsewhere in the butterfly's range. The
larvae are dark brown, with a double row of rosetted spines along
the thoracic segments, those on the first two segments being enlarged and directed forward,
while the third pair are directed backward. The abdominal segments are covered
in shorter bristle-like spines. When young the larvae rest on frass chains,
constructed by depositing droppings along the midrib of a leaf, gluing them
together with silk and fragments of dead plant material. The chain usually
projects beyond the leaf tip. Older larvae rest on the upper surface of a
half-eaten leaf. The
pupae, which are suspended by the cremaster, are pale brown,
decorated with spikes and other projections, and have a bifid head.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are usually encountered
singly. Males will imbibe mineralised moisture from damp soil,
boulders, sandy river beaches or
from aphid secretions on foliage.
Adelpha epione, Tingo Maria, Peru
|
