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Archaeoprepona demophon(Archaeoprepona demophon)
Phylum —arthropoda
Class —insecta
Order — lepidoptera
Family —nymphalidae
Genus –archaeoprepona
Appearance
The caterpillars are brown with a lighter large spot on the back. They have two horns on their heads and two horns on the back of their bodies. The older caterpillar is green.
The wingspan reaches about 54–58 millimeters (2.1–2.3 in). The uppersides of the wings are black, with bright pale blue transverse bands. The undersides are pale brown with a clearer band in the middle of the hindwings and several dark small dots on the margins.
Habitat
This species can be found in Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and northern portions of South America.
Behavior
It demonstrates daily activity. The flight is heavy and undulating.
Males perch on tree trunks or on foliage, sitting facing head-downwards and with wings half open. They take part in impressive aerial sorties, chasing each other in broad circles around the tree tops. After each sortie, they each return to their original perch.
It is interesting to know that the flight of these butterflies generates a sound similar to a moo or rustle, which is heard a few meters away. The flight is very fast and maneuverable.
Diet
The butterfly larva generally feed on plants of the genus Annona (Annonaceae) and on Malpighia glabra (Malpighiaceae). Adults visit rotten fruit or dung.
Reproduction
For their reproduction you need a terrarium with a size of 50 x 50 x 70 cm. Females lay one egg on the lower part of the leaf of the forage plant. It is better to keep the caterpillars in terrariums for 6-8 insects.In the terrarium, you need to place a branch of a forage plant.Forage plants should be replaced every 3-4 days. The caterpillars should be kept at a room temperature and humidity of 60-70%. The caterpillar develops for 6 weeks. Pupae are green. The butterfly leaves the pupa in 3 weeks.
In captivity
The mesh terrarium with a size of 50 × 50 × 70 mm is suitable for keeping butterflies. Room temperature is necessary. Daylight time is 12 hours. For feeding butterflies, you should use a red feeder, because in nature they feed on the nectar of red and purple flowers. You can put an overripe banana in it or pour a syrup of honey diluted with boiled water in a ratio of 1:10.
