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Project Noah Nature School
Taenaris sp.
This is one of the silky owl butterflies. Most commonly the species seen at this location seems to be Taenaris catops. However this specimen has different eyespot markings and it is not clear if this is another species or an aberration (or even the mimic Hyantis hodeva which shows wide variation). "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 on the forest floor." (Gotts and Pangemanan, 2001).
Observed in a large semi-urban yard & garden, "patrolling" the boundary fence along a disturbed patch of remnant forest. This is in the equatorial tropics of northern New Guinea.
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.
Spotted on Feb 5, 2013
Submitted on Feb 5, 2013
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