Michaelus
Nicolay, 1979
Species Guides
1- Michaelus ira(Shadowed Hairstreak)
Michaelus is a of lycaenid butterflies established by Nicolay in 1979, restricted to the . The genus comprises small butterflies whose larvae have been documented feeding on flowers of Fabaceae, particularly Senna . At least one species, Michaelus phoenissa, exhibits cryptic larval by concealing itself within unopened flower buds.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Michaelus: //mɪˈka.e.lus//
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Images
Habitat
Tropical lowland forests; documented at 533 m elevation in Peru. Larvae develop within unopened flowers of plants.
Distribution
; confirmed from Peru (Cusco region).
Diet
Larvae feed on flowers of Senna alata (Fabaceae).
Host Associations
- Senna alata - larval food plantFlowers consumed by caterpillars; larvae concealed in unopened flower buds
Life Cycle
Larvae develop concealed within unopened flower buds. Final instar larvae measure 1–1.5 cm in length. Rearing from larva to has been successfully completed in captivity.
Behavior
Larvae exhibit cryptic by hiding in unopened flowers, rendering them not immediately visible. The has been associated with myrmecophily, though specific behavioral details are not documented in available sources.
More Details
Taxonomic note
established by Nicolay in 1979. The Catalogue of Life classification places Michaelus in Lycaeninae.
Research limitation
Most detailed biological information derives from a single study of Michaelus phoenissa in Peru; broader -level patterns remain poorly documented.