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Text and photographs
protected by Copyright © Adrian Hoskins
2007, and must not be published
in part or in whole elsewhere without prior written permission from the
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Butterflies of
the Andes
Oressinoma
Oressinoma typhla
DOUBLEDAY, 1849
Family -
NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
SATYRINAE
Tribe - SATYRINI
subtribe -
EUPTYCHIINA
introduction
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habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
Text
and photographs protected by Copyright © Adrian Hoskins 2007-2008,
and must not be reproduced or published in part or in whole
elsewhere in any form without written permission from Adrian
Hoskins. Breach of copyright will be pursued by litigation.
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designed, produced and owned by
Adrian Hoskins
Oressinoma
typhla boliviana, Manu cloudforest, Peru
Introduction
The
genus
Oressinoma,
despite the unique appearance it's two species, is classified, perhaps wrongly (
as the venation has unique characteristics ) under the same subtribe as the
Euptychiine ringlets and
Taygetis
deadleafs. As well as differences in venation, the wing shape and lack of ocelli
point to the need for taxonomic revision.
The two species are
typhla,
as illustrated, which is found from Costa Rica to Bolivia, and
sorana,
which found only in southern Peru and Bolivia, and differs in having the white
zone on the wings much more clearly delineated, and more rectangular in profile.
Habitats
This species breeds in pre-montane rainforest and cloudforest habitats on both
sides of the Andes, at elevations of between about 1200-2400 metres. In Costa
Rica it breeds at lower altitudes, between about 700-1700 metres. The butterfly
is localised in distribution, occurring near streams, or in association with
swampy areas where the larval foodplants grow.
Lifecycle
The egg is pale shining green, spherical, and laid singly on
the foodplant.
The fully grown
caterpillar is
green, with a rough texture, with dark green longitudinal
lines along the back and sides. It feeds nocturnally on
Cyperus
( Cyperaceae ).
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are usually encountered singly, or in two's and three's. They are active only in cloudy weather or weak hazy sunlight. Males perch on sedges, sometimes for long periods, but remain alert at all times. If disturbed they dart up rapidly, but then descend slowly to resettle a short distance away.
Courtship takes place in late morning. The perching male flies up to intercept a passing female, hovering above her ( probably while disseminating pheromones ) until she settles. At this point the pair face each-other, and the male leans forward to press his antennae against hers, while vibrating his wings. If receptive, the female allows him to manoeuvre alongside her to copulate.
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