Riechia acraeoides (Guérin-Méneville, [1832])

Ríos, Sergio D. & González, Jorge M., 2011, A synopsis of the Castniidae (Lepidoptera) of Paraguay, Zootaxa 3055, pp. 43-61 : 53

Riechia acraeoides (Guérin-Méneville, [1832])

( Fig. 9 )

Castnia acraeoides Guérin-Méneville , [1832]

Taxonomic history. The genus was discerned thanks to its resemblance to certain species in the genus Actinote ( Nymphalidae : Acraeinae) ( Miller 1986). The species was described by Guérin-Méneville in the genus Castnia , and was eventually placed in the genus Herrichia ( Buchecker, [1880]). Since this proposed genus was found to be preoccupied, Oiticica (1955) replaced it for Riechia .

Distribution. Widely distributed in South East Brazil, this species can be also found in Northern Argentina and Paraguay ( Miller 1986; Jörgensen 1930). It resembles some species of Actinote Hübner ( Nymphalidae : Acraeinae) ( Miller 1986; Jörgensen 1930). Jörgensen (1930) cites it from San Bernardino, Cordillera Department, Paraguay.

Biology and behavior. Two males were collected by the first author on two different dates in a disturbed forest in Asunción. Both were resting under an Yvapurú tree, Myrciaria cauliflora (Mart.) O. Berg , Myrtaceae , at midday. Tillandsia sp., a possible hostplant, was observed to be quite common in this forest. The species has been detected flying during the day in December and January in some locations in Brazil ( Biezanko 1961a).

The larvae have been found feeding on Tillandsia meridionalis Baker and T. didisticha (E. Morren) Baker (Bromeliaceae) ( Miller 1986). They have been reared in Argentina under laboratory conditions using pseudobulbs of Miltonia flavescens Lindl. (Orchidaceae) (A. Tricio, pers. comm.). A female was observed ovipositing on Oncidium jonesianum Rchb. f. ( Orchidaceae ) ( Jörgensen 1930). Biezanko (1961a) mentions that the larvae feed on Tillandsia aeranthos (Loisel) L.B. Smith (Bromeliaceae) and a few Orchidaceae ( Cattleya intermedia (Graham) , C. loddigesii Lindl. and Laelia purpurata (Lindl. & Paxton) .

Material examined. CENTRAL: 13, Asunción, 25°14´S, 57°32´W. 28. III. 2009, Coll. S.Ríos (MNHNPY); 13, Asunción, 25°14´S, 57°32´W. 3. IV. 2009, Coll. S.Ríos (MNHNPY).

Figures

FIGURES 2 – 9. Adults of Castniidae. 2. Imara satrapes Kollar, 3, Itapúa, Paraguay (MNHNPY); 3. Synpalamides phalaris (Fabricius), 3, Asunción, Paraguay (FCA / DE); 4. Synpalamides rubrophalaris (Houlbert), 3, Alto Paraná, Paraguay (MNHNPY); 5. Castnia invaria penelope Schaufuss (White morph), 3, Sapucay, Paraguay (MGCL); 6. Castnia invaria penelope Schaufuss (red morph), 3, Ypacaraí, Paraguay (FCA / DE); 7. Castnia juturna Hopffer, 3, Argentina (MACN); 8. Telchin licus laura (H. Druce), 3, Canindeyú, Paraguay (MNHNPY); 9. Riechia acraeoides (Guérin-Méneville), 3, Asunción, Paraguay (MNHNPY).