Home

 

 
Butterflies of the Amazon and Andes
Orange-banded Gem
Crocozona coecias  HEWITSON, 1866
Family - RIODINIDAE
subfamily - RIODININAE
Tribe - RIODININI
Crocozona coecias coecias female, Satipo, Peru
Introduction
There are 4 species in the genus Crocozona, which is closely allied to Charis. Two of these, pheretima and fasciata, have broad orange bands on the forewings, while the others, coecias and croceifasciata, have thinner bands on both fore and hindwings. The Lamas ( 2004 ) checklist of neotropical butterflies lists both butterflies as subspecies of Crocozona coecias, but some other taxonomists ( e.g. d'Abrera ) consider their to be enough evidence ( such as the much more strongly incurved forewing bands of arcuata ) to list them as entirely separate species. 
The wing shape is typical of the Riodinidae, as are the bright colours. Many members of the family have bands of red or orange, or are peppered with metallic silver, blue or green scales, and are colloquially known as metalmarks. There are over 1150 known species of metalmark in Central and South America, but much smaller numbers in other regions of the world. In Europe there is only one member of the family - the Duke of Burgundy. 
Crocozona coecias coecias occurs in Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and Bolivia.
Crocozona coecias arcuata occurs in Colombia, Venezuela and the Guianas.
Crocozona coecias coecias female, Mariposa, Satipo, Peru
Habitats
This species occurs in disturbed rainforest habitats at elevations between about 200- 1800m. It is usually seen along roadsides, riverbanks, wide forest tracks or other semi-open habitats.
Lifecycle
This appears to be unrecorded.
Adult behaviour

This sun-loving little Riodinid can often be found in two's and three's basking on ferns or other low foliage in open, forested habitats. It has a rapid twisting flight that is difficult to follow, but it usually resettles only a short distance from it's original position. 

The butterfly does not appear to visit flowers, or to imbibe moisture from the ground, so it's feeding habits remain a mystery.

In very hot weather, or when there is a threat of rain, the butterflies hide beneath the leaves of bushes or low growing herbage, with wings outspread.

Crocozona coecias coecias male, Tingo Maria, Peru

 

 

Contact  /  About me

Butterfly-watching holidays

Trip reports

UK latest sightings

Frequently asked questions

Strange but true !

Taxonomy & Evolution

Anatomy

Lifecycle

Enemies of butterflies

Survival strategies

Migration & dispersal

Habitats - UK / Palaearctic

Habitats - Tropical rainforests

Butterfly world census

Butterflies of the World :

British Isles

Europe

Amazon & Andes

North America

temperate Asia

Africa

Indian subcontinent

Malaysia & Borneo

Papua New Guinea

Australia & N.Z.

Moths of the World :

Britain & Europe

Amazon & Andes

Saturniidae - Silkmoths

Caterpillars of the World

Insects of Amazonia

Butterfly Photography

Recommended Books

Glossary

Links

Code of practice

Copyright - text & images

X

X

X

X

 

All photographs, artwork, text & website design are the property of Adrian Hoskins ( unless otherwise stated ) and are protected by Copyright. Photographs or text on this website must not be reproduced in part or in whole or published elsewhere without prior written consent of Adrian Hoskins / learnaboutbutterflies.com

Site hosted by Just Host