EUPHAEDRA NEOPHRON

Euphaedra neophron (Euphaedra neophron)

Phylum — arthropoda
Class — insecta
Order — lepidoptera
Family — nymphalidae

Genus – euphaedra

Appearance

The caterpillars are light green with yellow spots on the dorsal side. On the sides of the body they have long outgrowths covered with thick bristles.

The wingspan is 55–65 mm for males and 60–78 mm for females.

The wings are metallic blue. On the outer edge of the forewing there are two black stripes, between which there is a wider yellow stripe. The tips of the forewings are also yellow. The underparts are gray-brown. A butterfly with folded wings resembles a dry leaf.

Habitat

It is found in eastern and southern Africa.

Behavior

These butterflies are found in very dense tropical forests. Occasionally, they will venture out into a clearing but these visits are usually short.

Adults are on wing year round, with a peak from February to July.

While having a rest  the butterfly open its wings. The butterflies are attracted to the fallen fruit, and they patrol back and forth along the forest paths in search of it. Males often bask with outstretched wings in sunspots on the forest floor.

Diet

The larvae feed on Deinbollia oblongifolia and Blighia unijugata. As an adult Euphaedra neophron feeds on rotting fruit and tree sap.

Reproduction

For their reproduction you need a terrarium with a size of 50 x 50 x 70 cm. Females lay eggs one at a time on the leaves of the forage plant. The eggs are light yellow, rounded, and covered with short bristles. It is better to keep the caterpillars in plastic containers closed with a grid, 6-8 insects each. In the container, you need to place a forage plant. A wet paper towel is placed on the bottom, which must be replaced daily. The temperature is 22-25 ^oC. Humidity 65-75%. Pupae are green with silvery spots. Butterflies live up to 14 days.

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. You need to feed the butterflies with overripe fruits  such as a banana. You can offer them a few drops of honey syrup diluted with boiled water in a ratio of 1: 10.