Butterflies of the
Amazon and Andes
White Grass Yellow
Eurema albula
CRAMER, 1775
Family - PIERIDAE
subfamily - COLIADINAE
Eurema albula albula, Manu Biosphere
Reserve, Peru �
Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
The name 'White Grass Yellow' might sound like a contradiction in
terms, but signifies that most other members of this genus are
yellow, and live in grassy habitats.
Eurema are found in Africa, Asia and
the Australian region as well as in the neotropics. There are 19
species in the neotropical region, 5 of which are whitish on the
upperside, but only albula has a white
underside - the others are cream or yellowish beneath. Both sexes of
albula have pure white uppersides. The
apex and the outer margins of the forewing are black in both sexes.
Eurema albula occurs from Mexico to
Uruguay, and on most Caribbean islands.
Habitats
Like most other Eurema species this
butterfly breeds in disturbed semi-open forest edge habitats, which
may include roadsides, riverbanks, secondary forest and farmland. It
occurs at altitudes between sea level and about 1800m.
Eurema albula marginella, Tatama NP,
Colombia �
Peter Bygate
Lifecycle
The eggs are laid singly on Cassia (
Caesalpinaceae ). The fully grown caterpillar has a granulated
texture, and is pale green above and yellow below, with a white line
along each side. The chrysalis is pale green with a dorsal keel and
a pointed head.
Adult behaviour
The butterfly is usually encountered singly in disturbed forest edge
habitats. Both sexes nectar at low growing flowers and at
Lantana bushes.
|