Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Amazon
Angel
Chorinea amazon
SAUNDERS, 1859
Family -
RIODINIDAE
subfamily -
RIODININAE
Tribe - RIODININI
Chorinea amazon, Satipo,
Peru
Introduction
The genus Chorinea comprises of 8 species. They
look very much like miniature swallowtails, with transparent wings marked with
black veins. In all species the thorax is virtually devoid of "hair" and the
palpi are extremely short. All Chorinea species
have the same basic wing pattern but vary in the configuration and extent of the red markings on the hindwings.
Chorinea amazon is found in Guyana, Surinam, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru
and Bolivia.
Habitats
This is a rainforest butterfly found at altitudes between about 200-1000m,
usually in the vicinity of streams. Like all Chorinea
species it is very localised and difficult to find.
Chorinea amazon, Satipo,
Peru
Lifecycle
The larval foodplants of Chorinea
species include Hippocrataceae, Aquifoliaceaea, Flacourtiaceae and
Celastraceae.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are almost always seen singly. They fly in full
sunshine, and can occasionally be found mud-puddling at the edge
of streams. If molested the butterflies exude a yellow fluid from
a gland on the thorax.
Chorinea amazon, Satipo,
Peru
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