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protected by Copyright © Adrian Hoskins
2007, and must not be published
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Butterflies of
the Andes
Manu Perisama
Perisama cabirnia
HEWITSON, 1874
Family -
NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
BIBLIDINAE
Tribe - BIBLIDINI
subtribe -
CALLICORINA
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
Perisama
cabirnia, male, San Pedro, Madre de Dios, Peru
Introduction
The
Biblidinae are recognised by their diverse but simple and very colourful
patterns. In the neotropics their representatives include the Callicorina - a
subtribe of small-medium sized butterflies, marked on the uppersides with bands
of metallic blue or green on a velvety black ground colour.
The Callicorina includes the genus
Diaethria,
instantly recognised by the numerical "88" markings on the undersides, and the
Perisama,
which are similar on the uppersides, but have plain undersides marked only with
dots and wavy lines.
Perisamas are restricted almost exclusively to the cloudforests of the Andes,
although there are 2 species, both endemics, found in Costa Rica and Mexico
respectively.
Perisama
cabirnia occurs in
southern Peru and Bolivia.
Perisama cabirnia, male, San Pedro, Madre de Dios,
Peru
Habitats
This species is found on the eastern slope of the Andes, at altitudes between
about 1200-1800m.
Lifecycle
The lifecycle of this and all other
Perisama
species appears to be unknown.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies spend the early mornings and late afternoons settled high in the trees, but at about 0900hrs they suddenly become very active, and dash back and forth between the tree tops and the surface of the ground, where they seek mineral-rich moisture.
Males are usually encountered in two's and three's, aggregating with other Perisama species at damp patches on unsurfaced roads in cloudforest habitats. When searching for suitable mud-puddling spots they fly very rapidly, zigzagging at knee-height, back and forth over the ground. They appear to be more abundant near habitations, probably attracted by animal urine on road surfaces and around buildings.
In cloudy weather the butterflies are loathe to leave these favoured spots, and will bask for long periods on the ground, awaiting the return of sunshine. Only the threat of rain causes them to abandon their haunts and return to the nearby forest.
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