A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Taenaris sp.
"The species of Taenaris are whitish to grayish, some species with a yellow anal margin on the hindwing, and with prominent eyespots displayed on the hindwings. Some species feed on cycads and may be chemically defended, serving as models for Batesian mimicry in a variety of other groups (including Hyantis, Mycalesis, Hypocysta, Elymnias, and Hypolimnas). Most species occur in New Guinea and surrounding islands." (EOL). "Only in a few cases is identification to species possible from the pattern of the ocelli since these can be highly variable. All [species] are diurnal but appear to prefer the shade, feeding on rotten fruit [see 3rd photo] on the forest floor." (Gotts and Pangemanan, 2001).
Spotted on vegetation and the forest floor along a transect in secondary coastal lowland mixed freshwater swamp forest/sago swamp forest.
Gotts, R.I.C., and N. Pangemanan. 2001. Mimika butterflies: a guide to the butterflies of the Mimika subdistrict of Papua. PT Freeport Indonesia Biodiversity Centre, Timika, Indonesia.
14 Comments
Thanks J & Kranti!
awesome !
Spectacular!
Thanks manuelap1!
Thank you Noel
Beautiful photos and series!
Thanks Carol & Sumukha!
Beauty..!
I haven't checked out your photos in a while, Scott. WOW! Love it!
Thank you Lisajourney3467!
That is one amazing looking butterfly!
Thanks Jolly & ViSarancha!
Beautiful spotting!
very beautiful scott.