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Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Red Rim
Biblis hyperia CRAMER,
1779
Family -
NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
BIBLIDINAE
Tribe - BIBLIDINI
subtribe -
BIBLIDINA
Biblis hyperia, Satipo, Peru
Introduction
The
genus Biblis contains just a single species -
hyperia, which is one of the most distinctive and
instantly recognisable species in the neotropics.
Both
sexes are identical, and there is hardly any variation in the patterning,
although the width of the bright pink band on the hindwing varies slightly. The
underside of the wings is identical to the upper surface except for being
slightly paler.
Biblis hyperia is distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical
areas of the neotropics, from Mexico to Paraguay. It is also found on the larger
Caribbean islands.
Habitats
This species breeds in disturbed habitats including forest clearings, forest /
grassland mosaics, and along roadsides and riverbanks. It is found at altitudes
between sea level and about 1000m but is more frequent below 500m.
Lifecycle
The only
recorded larval foodplant Tragia volubilis (
Euphorbiaceae ) but it is likely that related plants are also used.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are usually encountered singly. Males tend to
continually fan their wings when settled on the foliage of bushes
or trees, or when imbibing mineralised moisture from rocks or
pebbles. The flight is slow and deliberate, "advertising" the
bright pink band, which suggests that this species is unpalatable
to birds - the larval foodplants Euphorbiaceae contain toxins, and
it is probable that these are sequestered by the larvae and
retained in the bodies of the adult butterflies. It is a little
surprising therefore that the colours and patterns are not
mimicked by other species.
Biblis hyperia, Satipo, Peru
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