Butterflies of the
Amazon and Andes
Mimosa Yellow
Pyrisitia nise
CRAMER, 1775
Family - PIERIDAE
subfamily - COLIADINAE
Pyrisitia nise, Tatama NP, Colombia
� Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
The 12 species which are currently placed in the genus
Pyrisitia were originally included
within the pan-tropical genus Eurema.
These smallish butterflies are characterised by having yellow,
orange or white uppersides, with dark apical markings. The forewings
have a strongly curved costa, and in most species have a squarish
apex. The hindwings are rounded in most species.
Pyrisitia nise ocurs as 6 named subspecies distributed
variously from the southern USA to Bolivia and Brazil.
Habitats
This species is found in disturbed grassy habitats at elevations
between about 200-1800m.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
Males
are usually encountered singly, or occasionally in two's or three's,
when imbibing dissolved minerals from damp ground at the edge of
ditches or roadside banks in lightly forested areas. The flight is
fluttery but fairly rapid, and close to the ground.
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