Immature stages of the threatened butterfly Euptychia boulleti () (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and its conservation perspectives

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present paper describes the immature stages of the Neotropical satyrine butterfly Euptychia boulleti (Le Cerf, 1919) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Eggs were laid singly on the under surface of the fronds of its host plant, Selaginella muscosa Spring (Lycopodiopsida: Selaginellaceae). Larvae are solitary in all instars, with a color pattern and shape that make them cryptic on their host plants. The pupa is short and smooth, green with black and white markings. Although the adults are very divergent in wing pattern, the immature stages are very similar to those of other species in the genus Euptychia Hübner, 1818. The present study added over 20 more records of E. boulleti, adding two additional sites for this species. Based on all available records, the EOO (extent of occurrence) has an increase of 13% and AOO (area of occupancy) an increase of 20% compared to previous estimates. Identifying additional E. boulleti populations could be important for conservation efforts of this species, especially if these are in fully protected areas.

Keywords

• Butterfly
• Camouflage
• Euptychiina
• Lepidoptera
• Selaginella