Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Rusty-tipped Page
Siproeta epaphus
LATREILLE, 1813
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
NYMPHALINAE
Tribe - VICTORINIINI
Siproeta
epaphus, Manu cloudforest, 1800m, Peru
Introduction
The tribe Victoriniini includes the Asian genus
Rhinopalpa, the African
Kallimoides and
Vanessula, and the neotropical genera
Anartia, Junonia, Hypolimnas, Metamorpha, Napeocles
and Siproeta.
There are 3
Siproeta species -
stelenes,
superba and
epaphus.
Siproeta epaphus is distributed from Mexico to
Peru.
Siproeta
epaphus, Satipo, Peru
Habitats
This species is scarce in lowland areas, but commonly seen in two's and three's in
disturbed habitats at elevations between 400-1800m, favouring forest edges and
clearings,
well vegetated riverbanks, roadsides and pastures.
Siproeta
epaphus, Satipo, Peru
Lifecycle
The eggs are dark green with yellow ribs, and
are laid in small clusters on young leaves of
Ruellia or Blechum (
Acanthaceae ).
The fully grown larva is maroon, adorned with orange branched
spikes along the back and sides. Its head is black with a pair of
backward-curving horns.
The
chrysalis is pale green with the thorax and abdomen covered in minute black
dots and small orange thorn-like projections. It is suspended by the cremaster from
leaves of the foodplant.
Siproeta
epaphus, Satipo, Peru
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are usually encountered singly or in two's and three's, flying
on sunny mornings in disturbed habitats including pastures, forest
clearings, riverbanks and roadsides.
They have a rapid fluttering and gliding flight, settling
frequently to bask on low foliage or bare ground. Males often
imbibe mineralised moisture from
damp roads, muddy riverbanks, scree or rock faces and at such
times usually hold their wings half-open while flitting gently
from spot to spot. Females make egg-laying runs back and forth
along forest edges. Both sexes nectar at
Cordia, Stachytarpheta,
Croton,
Impatiens,
Lantana and other flowers.
Siproeta
epaphus, Satipo, Peru
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