Butterflies of the World - Lifecycle, Ecology, Taxonomy, Conservation, Photography, Butterfly Holidays, Photo Galleries, Book Reviews and more.........
Text and photographs protected by Copyright © Adrian Hoskins 2007, and must not be published in part or in whole elsewhere without prior written permission from the author.
Butterflies of the Andes
 
Dyson's Blue Doctor
Rhetus dysonii SAUNDERS, 1849
Family - RIODINIDAE
subfamily - RIODININAE
Tribe - RIODININI
 
 introduction | habitats | lifecycle | adult behaviour
 
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 400-1600m.
 
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.

 

 
 
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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