Memphis (Anaea)

Species

There are about 60 species of these Neotropical butterflies ,whose underwings resemble dead leaves. Memphis species were previously catagorized as a subgenus of Anaea. They are medium sized butterflies with striking shapes and colours living at 500m-2000m. They are extremely fast flyers who rest high up on branches with their head facing downwards. Sometimes they adopt this position because they are imbibing secretions from the tree. They also feed of rotting fruit.

The third radial vein always arises distal to the fifth radial vein .

Depending on the species the sexes can be similar or dimorphic, tailed or tailless.

Identification can be difficult due to the variation of upper and underside patterns.

Hostplants include Piperaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Lauraceae.

The larvae are attacked by tachinid flies and chalcid wasps. The larvae protect themselves by rolling tubes and hiding inside.

Some species have a wide geographical range, whilst others may have very restricted ranges. They occur in all forests and tend to fly in the forest canopy. They feed on rotting fruit ,dung and carrion, and are fast flyers