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Biblis hyperia (Biblis hyperia)
Phylum — arthropoda
Class — insecta
Order — lepidoptera
Family — nymphalidae
Genus – biblis
Appearance
The caterpillars of this species are gray brown with raised green marks and spikes.
Adults have a velvety-black forewing with a gray hindwing. The hindwing has a pinkish-red band. Both sexes are identical, and there is hardly any variation in the patterning, although the width of the bright pink band on the hindwing varies slightly. The underside of the wings is identical to the upper surface except for being slightly paler.
Wingspan: 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm).
Habitat
Biblis hyperia is distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the neotropics, from Mexico to Paraguay. It is also found on the larger Caribbean islands.
Behavior
It demonstrates daily activity. The butterflies are usually encountered singly. Males tend to continually fan their wings when settled on the foliage of bushes or trees, or when imbibing mineralized moisture from rocks or pebbles. The flight is slow and deliberate, "advertising" the bright pink band, which suggests that this species is unpalatable to birds – the larval foodplants Euphorbiaceae contain toxins and it is probable that these are sequestered by the larvae and retained in the bodies of the adult butterflies.
Diet
The immature larvae feed on Tragia volubilis.
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 or in groups on the stems and young leaves of the forage plant. The eggs are white, with long outgrowths. 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. They should be kept at a room temperature and humidity of 60-70%. The pupae are light brown.
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 can feed the butterflies with an overripe banana or give them a few drops of honey syrup diluted with boiled water in a ratio of 1: 10.
