Myscelia cyaniris

Myscelia cyaniris (Myscelia cyaniris)

Phylum — arthropoda
Class — insecta
Order — lepidoptera
Family — nymphalidae

Genus – myscelia

Appearance

The caterpillars are green covered with branched spines. There are two large branched horns on the head.

The length of the forewings reaches about 34–36 mm (1.3–1.4 in). The dorsal sides of the upper wings are bright blue with white transversal bands and white spots. The sapphire blue of the upper wings may appear black or neon blue depending on how the light is reflected. The undersides of the hindwings have a cryptic coloration, as they are mottled with different shades of color, varying from gray to brown, while the under sides of the forewings are black with white patches.

Habitat

It is found in Central America and northern South America, from Mexico to Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru.

Behavior

The males are found perching about 4 to 8 meters above the ground on tree trunks in light gaps and along forest edges. Females are active at midday.

As in other species, both sexes are often found in association with the hostplant.

While at rest, Myscelia cyaniris folds the forewing down into the hindwing, which in profile looks like an isosceles triangle. In this position the butterfly is almost invisible.

In the north of their range the adults have two flights, one in the summer and a second in the fall. In the south there are multiple broods throughout the year.

Diet

The larvae feed on Dalechampia triphylla and Adelia triloba (family Euphorbiaceae). Adults usually feed on rotting fruit and animal dung.

Reproduction

For their reproduction you need a terrarium with a size of 50 x 50 x 70 cm. Females lay eggs one by one on the leaves of the forage plant. It is better to keep the caterpillars in terrariums for 6-8 insects placing a pot with a forage plant in it. At the bottom, you can lay a paper towel, which must be replaced daily. Temperature in the terrarium is 22-25 ^oC and the humidity is 65-75%. The caterpillar develops in an average of 18 days. Pupae are glued to the surface of the leaf, they are green with obscure lighter and darker spots, the duration of this stage is 7-10 days. Butterflies live up to 40 days.

In captivity

The mesh terrarium with a size of 50 × 50 × 70 mm is suitable for keeping butterflies. Room temperature is necessary. Daylight time is 12 hours. You can feed the butterflies with an overripe banana or give them a few drops of honey syrup diluted with boiled water in a ratio of 1: 10.