Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Dyson's Blue Doctor
Rhetus dysonii
SAUNDERS, 1849
Family - RIODINIDAE
subfamily -
RIODININAE
Tribe - RIODININI
introduction
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habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
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Rhetus dysonii, male, Manu
cloudforest, 1500m, Peru |
Introduction
The genus
Rhetus
is comprised of 3 species, of which
periander
is the commonest and most widespread. The others are
arcius,
which is paler, with longer, thinner tails; and
dysonii,
as illustrated above, in which the outer margin of the forewings
are convex, and which has distinct white basal and post-median
bands, and white markings on the tail.
Rhetus dysonii
occurs in Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and Bolivia.
Habitats
This species is
usually found singly, in association with narrow streams or
ditches, often in disturbed areas such as roadsides or forest
glades. It occurs at elevations between about 400-1800m.
Rhetus
dysonii, male, Mariposa, Satipo, Peru
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The butterfly
is mainly active in
the afternoon, and is seen more frequently in cloudy conditions
than in sunshine.
In cloudy
conditions the males will bask for long periods
on damp banks, and are nearly always found in association with
small streams or ditches, where they imbibe dissolved minerals
from the mud.
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