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Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Aegina Numberwing
Callicore lyca
aegina
FELDER & FELDER,
1861
Family -
NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
BIBLIDINAE
Tribe - CALLICORINI
Callicore lyca aegina,
Manu cloudforest, 1500m, Peru.
Introduction
There are about 20 species in the genus
Callicore,
all of which bear distinctive and graphic patterns on the underside hindwings.
Unfortunately these beautiful butterflies are killed in vast numbers for their
wings which are used by the souvenir trade for the production of decorated
plates, jewellery, place mats and other trivia.
Callicore lyca occurs as 10 named subspecies ranging from Mexico to Bolivia. The race aegina
is restricted to southern Peru.
Habitats
This species is
found at altitudes between 0-1800m in rainforest and cloudforest
habitats. Like other
Callicore
species it is often found near habitations.
Lifecycle
The eggs are white, and are laid singly on
Serjania or Allophylus
( Sapindaceae ).
Callicore lyca aegina,
Manu cloudforest, 1400m, Peru.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are solitary in behaviour, but usually when one is
found there will be 2 or 3 others in the general vicinity.
They have a rapid, powerful flight over short distances, and
often settle on the walls of wooden
buildings.
Peak activity takes place
mid-morning. At this time males dash about in circles,
occasionally settling momentarily to
imbibe mineralised moisture from rocks or road surfaces. These bouts of
frenetic activity are interspersed with periods of several minutes at a
time when they retire to rest in tree tops. After satisfying
themselves that no danger is present, they descend again, and once
settled will remain stationary for several minutes.
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