Butterflies of the
Amazon and Andes
Paulina Yellow
Eurema paulina
BATES, 1861
Family - PIERIDAE
subfamily - COLIADINAE
Eurema paulina, male, Satipo, Peru �
Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
The
genus
Eurema was until fairly recently
represented in the neotropics by about 30 species, but several have
now been reclassified as Pyrisitia,
leaving a total of 19 currently recognised species in the
neotropical region. Elsewhere in the world the genus has 9 species
in Africa, 2 in Madagascar, and 9 in the Oriental and Australian
regions.
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 are rounded in most species, but in
salome, xantochlora and
arbela the termen is projected to a
point.
The various species can be told apart by the
pattern of mottled dark markings on the underside hindwings, and by
the black borders on the upperside forewings, which differ according
to species.
Eurema paulina is found in Ecuador, Peru and the upper
Amazonian region of Brazil.
Habitats
This species is found in disturbed areas of rainforest including
roadsides, clearings, glades and river beaches. It occurs at
altitudes between about 200-1400m.
Lifecycle
Unknown. Other Eurema species oviposit
on Mimosaceae, Caesalpinaceae, Simaroubaceae and Fabaceae.
The eggs are
usually laid singly, on the underside of the leaves.
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, and have a prominent
keel.
Adult behaviour
Males
are usually encountered singly, or occasionally in two's or three's,
when imbibing dissolved minerals from river beaches, seepages and
roadsides in forested areas.
Females are more often
seen nectaring at flowers along roadsides and riverbanks.
The flight is fluttery but fairly rapid, and always close to the
ground.
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