Siproeta epaphus

Family

Nymphalidae

Genus

Siproeta

Specie

epaphus

Forewing Length

48-50 mm

Range

Mexico to Peru. SUBSPECIES: Central America.

Host Plant

Ruellia, Blechum (Acanthaceae).

Pupa Stage

Approxiamtely 8-10 days.

Pupa Description

Pale green, elongate eggs-shaped, flecked with many tiny black spots on thorax and abdomen; and two prominent orange-based black spots on dorsum of fist and second abdominal segments.

Adults Description

Inmediately distinguished by the split brown coloration on the wings. This makes an excellent field identification mark.

Habits Description

Occurs commonly from 400 to 1,500 m. Frequently seen along forest edges and rivers, where they parade back and forth across the edge vegetation about 1 or 2 meters above the ground. Males visit wet sand at landslips and river crossings. Both sexes visit flowers of Cordia, Stachytarpheta, Impatiens, Lantana and Croton. The female oviposit during midday on young plants growing at forest edges. Oviposition is rapid and is often repeated again and again along the same patch of plants during a single oviposition bout. Frequently found with clear bird-beak marks, and occasionally seen to be chased by birds while visiting flowers.