Publication

9. Complete immature stages of the euptychiine butterfly Taygetis cleopatra (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) in southeastern Peru

Authors: Hurtado, T.; Nakahara, S.; Rodríguez-Melgarejo, M.; Tejeira, R.; See, J.; Ccahuana, R. & Gallice, G.

Journal: Tropical Lepidoptera Research, 31(3), 179–185.

Date: December 17, 2021

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Highlights

Documents the complete life cycle of Taygetis cleopatra in southeastern Peru.

Identifies Olyra latifolia (Poaceae) as the natural host plant for the species.

Validates partial life history data previously recorded in Ecuador.

Confirms species identity via DNA barcoding to exclude cryptic taxa.

Notes spatula-like setae on first instar as a potential clade synapomorphy.

Abstract

Introduction

Here we document the complete life cycle of the Neotropical nymphalid butterfly Taygetis cleopatra (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862).

Material & Methods

Based on two individuals collected and reared in Madre de Dios, Peru, including the morphology and duration of each life stage.

Results

We also report this species’ natural hostplant at the study site, a species of herbaceous bamboo, Olyra latifolia L. (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Olyreae).

Conclusion

Our study confirms existing information regarding the partial life history of this species in Ecuador, as well as its use of O. latifolia as a hostplant in southeastern Peru, while adding new information regarding its immature biology.