Rekoa

Kaye, 1904

Species Guides

3

Rekoa is a of butterflies in the Lycaenidae, occurring in the Neotropical region. such as R. marius exhibit myrmecophilous relationships with carpenter ants and cryptic polychromatism in stages. Larvae feed on reproductive structures of plants, including flower buds and fruits.

Rekoa marius by (c) pondhawk, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Rekoa palegon by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.RekoaPalegonFUpUnACC1700 1701 by Accassidy. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Rekoa: //ɹiːˈkoʊ.ə//

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Images

Distribution

Neotropical region. Specific records include Panama, Brazil (Alagoas), and Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete in Colombia.

Life Cycle

deposited on flower buds, inflorescences, and peduncles near flowers. Larvae develop through multiple instars feeding on flower buds; final instar additionally consumes green and ripe fruits. follows larval development.

Behavior

Larvae of at least some exhibit myrmecophily, forming mutualistic associations with carpenter ants (Camponotus lindigi). tending time varies based on larval feeding . Larvae display cryptic polychromatism with epithelial color changes.

Ecological Role

Herbivore feeding on plant reproductive structures. Serves as for , including Tenuipetiolus sp. (Eurytomidae), the first recorded lepidopteran host for this . Engages in mutualistic relationships with ants.

More Details

Host Plant Chemistry

Rekoa marius has been recorded feeding on Oxalidaceae (Averrhoa carambola), a characterized by high oxalic acid content. This may serve as a model organism for studying physiological mechanisms of oxalic acid or detoxification in Lepidoptera.

Sources and further reading