Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Simaethis Green Hairstreak
Chlorostrymon
simaethis
DRURY, 1773
Family -
LYCAENIDAE
subfamily -
THECLINAE
Tribe - EUMAEINI
Chlorostrymon simaethis,
Ollantaytambo, Peru.
Introduction
All neotropical Theclines are placed in the tribe Eumaeini, which comprises of
1,058 currently known species
classified into 83
genera. The Eumaeini are very poorly represented in museum collections, and
until very recently were ignored by most workers, the exception being Robbins,
whose revision of the tribe was published in the Lamas neotropical checklist,
2004. It is hardly surprising therefore, especially when taking into account the
small size of the butterflies and their secretive habits, that it is estimated
that there are probably several hundred species still awaiting discovery.
The genus Chlorostrymon comprises of 6 known
species, variously distributed from Texas to Chile. The various species all have
apple-green undersides, but differ in the configuration and extent of the white
markings. The uppersides of the males are iridescent azure blue in all species,
while the females are brown, with a trace of silvery blue scaling at the base of
the wings.
Chlorostrymon simaethis is distributed from Texas
to Chile, and also occurs in Jamaica and on some other Caribbean islands.
Habitats
This species is found in scrubby semi-arid habitats at altitudes between 0-2800m.
Lifecycle
The eggs are shiny, green and laid singly on the fruits of
Cardiospermum ( Sapindaceae ) or on the flowerbuds
of Eupatorium shrubs ( Compositae ). The larvae are
yellowish-green, marked with pale chevrons, and a pair of red spots midway along
the back. They feed and develop within the seeds or buds of the foodplants.
Adult behaviour
Both sexes nectar at Eupatorium. The
adults are usually encountered as singletons, and tend to sit
motionless on flowers or foliage for long periods, but have a
rapid and erratic flight, making it very difficult to locate them
when they resettle.
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