Butterflies of the
Amazon and Andes
Xantochlora Grass
Yellow
Eurema xantochlora
KOLLAR, 1850
Family - PIERIDAE
subfamily - COLIADINAE
Eurema xantochlora, male, Satipo, Peru
� Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
Older reference books list Eurema as
having about 30 neotropical representatives, but several have now
been reclassified in Pyrisitia, leaving
a total of 19 currently recognised Eurema
species in the neotropical region.
These smallish butterflies are characterised by having yellow or
white uppersides, with dark apical markings. The forewings have a
strongly curved costa and a squarish apex. The hindwings of many
Eurema species are rounded but in
xantochlora the termen is projected to
a point, which tends to be longer in dry season forms.
E. xantochlora has heavier mottling on
the underside than most other Eurema
species, but the most reliable diagnostic character is the shape of
the black border on the upperside forewing.
Eurema xantochlora occurs from Costa
Rica to Bolivia.
Eurema xantochlora, Tatama NP, Colombia
� Adrian Hoskins
Habitats
This species breeds in disturbed semi-open forest edge habitats,
including roadsides, riverbanks, secondary forest and farmland at
altitudes between 0-1800m.
Eurema xantochlora, Otun-Quimbaya, Colombia
� Adrian Hoskins
Lifecycle
Other Eurema species lay their eggs
singly on Mimosaceae, Caesalpinaceae, Simaroubaceae or Fabaceae,
according to species. The foodplant of
xantochlora is unknown. Eurema
caterpillars are typically dull green, with a whitish line along the
sides, and a rough texture. The pupae are typically pale green or
yellowish, with a prominent keel, but I have no data specific to
xantochlora.
Eurema xantochlora ,
male, dry season form, Rio Madre de Dios, Peru
� Adrian Hoskins
Adult behaviour
Males
are usually encountered singly, or occasionally in two's or three's,
seen imbibing dissolved minerals from sandbanks, peccary wallows, salt
licks and the edges of muddy puddles adjacent to forested areas.
Females are more often seen nectaring at flowers along roadsides and
riverbanks, or when exploring sunny wood edge habitats in search of
egg-laying sites.
The
flight is fluttery but fairly rapid, and usually close to the ground.
Eurema xantochlora, female, Peru
� Tony Hoare
|