Butterflies of
Mexico
Simple
Checkerspot
Chlosyne
hippodrome
GEYER, 1837
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
NYMPHALINAE
Tribe -
MELITAEINI
introduction
|
habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
Chlosyne hippodrome, Mexico ( image
courtesy © Tony Hoare )
Introduction
The genus
Chlosyne comprises of about 26
species, and is largely Central American in distribution, although
there are several species which are found only in
North America.
Most of the
species have a black ground colour, and are marked with bands or
patches of cream and reddish-orange, often in conjunction with a
series of white spots in the post-median area of fore and hind
wings. The legs of most species are orange. In all species the
antennae are fairly short, straight, and end in a flattened club.
Chlosyne
hippodrome
is distributed from Mexico to Colombia.
Habitats
This species
breeds in disturbed areas of deciduous woodland, including
forest edge habitats, small meadows, orchards and clearings, at
altitudes between sea level and about 1000m. The butterflies are
generally more abundant in the vicinity of rivers and streams,
particularly in the dry season.
Lifecycle
The eggs are
pale green and laid in large batches on the underside of leaves
of the foodplant.
The fully grown
caterpillars are black with white markings, and adorned with
black spines. In the early instars they feed gregariously, but
gradually become independent as they develop. They feed on
Melanthera aspera ( Asteraceae ).
Adult behaviour
Males often
settle on overhanging tree foliage along forest tracks. From
this position they survey and intercept passing females.
Males sometimes
imbibe mineralised moisture from river edges, damp soil or
cattle dung. Both sexes commonly nectar at a wide range of
herbaceous plants, but strongly favour Asteraceae. They tend
tend to fan their wings slowly while they feed.
|
