Page 228 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

BUTTERFLY CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Nymphalidae
DISTRIBUTION Eastern slopes of the Andes, from northern Ecuador
to northern Peru
HABITAT Montane cloud forests and forest edges
HOST PLANTS Bamboo (Chusquea spp.)

NOTE Recently described species rst noticed for its
distinctive caterpillar
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but not likely to become endangered

ADULT WINGSPAN
5¼–5 ⁄ in (135–145 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
4¼–4½ in (110–115 mm)
ERYPHANIS GREENEYI
ERYPHANIS GREENEYI
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PENZ & DEVRIES, 2008

The caterpillar of Eryphanis greeneyi goes through three very
distinctive “morphs” as it develops, each corresponding with a

shift in behavior and crypsis. When rst hatched, the bulbous-
headed, intricately patterned rst instars are easily mistaken for

a small irregularity in the host plant leaf. As they grow, third and
fourth instars are countershaded beige and green to perfectly
match the natural patterns of mature leaves. Finally, when too
heavy to rest on the leaves, last instar caterpillars resemble
rotting, moldy portions of the host plant stem.

The Eryphanis greeneyi caterpillar has a The bamboo host plants of Eryphanis greeneyi are likely not very
helmetlike head with a corona of short, conical nutritious, and their cloud forest homes are rather cool. As a
projections. The ground color of the body is dull
orange brown, and there are complex, di use result, it takes a long time for the caterpillars to build up the
patterns of black, orange, ocher, pale blue, and
white, which create a moldy-stick appearance. weight needed for successful pupation. The life cycle from egg
The dorsum bears several eshy projections, to adult can take six to seven months, with as many as 20 days
and the terminal segment has a pair of long

caudae that are covered in pointed tubercles. in the egg stage alone, and parasitoids are a signi cant threat
at all life stages. Adults are crepuscular, most frequently seen
guarding perches, mating, and laying eggs at dusk and dawn.

Actual size