Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Paulina Yellow
Eurema paulina
BATES, 1861
Family -
PIERIDAE
subfamily -
COLIADINAE
Eurema
paulina, male, Satipo,
Peru.
Introduction
The
genus
Eurema
was until fairly recently represented in the neotropics by about 30 species, but
several have now been reclassified as
Pyrisitia,
leaving a total of 19 currently recognised species in the neotropical region.
Elsewhere in the world the genus has 9 species in Africa, 2 in Madagascar, and 9
in the Oriental and Australian regions.
These smallish butterflies are characterised by having yellow or white
uppersides, with dark apical markings. The forewings have a strongly curved
costa and a squarish apex. The hindwings are rounded in most species, but in salome, xantochlora
and arbela
the termen is projected to a point.
The
various species can be told apart
by the pattern of mottled dark markings on the underside hindwings, and by the
black borders on the upperside forewings, which differ according to species.
Eurema
paulina is found in Ecuador, Peru and the upper Amazonian
region of Brazil.
Habitats
This species is found in disturbed areas of rainforest including roadsides,
clearings, glades and river beaches. It occurs at altitudes between about
200-1400m.
Lifecycle
Unknown. Other
Eurema
species
oviposit on Mimosaceae, Caesalpinaceae, Simaroubaceae and Fabaceae.
The eggs are usually laid singly, on the underside of the leaves.
Eurema caterpillars are typically dull green, with a whitish line along the sides, and a
rough texture. The pupae are typically pale green or yellowish,
and have a prominent
keel.
Adult behaviour
Males
are usually encountered singly, or occasionally in two's or
three's, when imbibing dissolved minerals from river beaches,
seepages and roadsides in forested areas.
Females are more
often seen nectaring at flowers along roadsides and riverbanks. The flight is fluttery but
fairly rapid, and always close to the ground.
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