Ageroniini

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Biblidinae
Tribe: Ageroniini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ageroniini: //ˌædʒɛˈroʊniˌaɪnaɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Hamadryas februa ssp. ferentina by Francisco Farriols Sarabia. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Lepidoptera - Hamadryas februa and Hamadryas guatemalena by Emőke Dénes. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Dynamine postverta postverta MHNT ventre male by Didier Descouens. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Hamadryas februa 20zz by Photo by David J. Stang. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Hamadryas feronia in Viçosa-MG, Brazil by André Ribeiro Cardoso. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Dynamine postverta postverta MHNT dos male by Didier Descouens. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

Ageroniini is a diverse tribe of brushfoot butterflies primarily found in the Neotropics, recognized for their distinctive coloration and patterns, which aid in camouflage. Recent taxonomic arrangements still under review, with some genera closely related to other tribes.

Physical Characteristics

Dark brownish to black above, with reflective greens, blues, or purples in males; some have bold orange markings; pale spots and diagonal stripes common in females; lower side patterned for camouflage with streaks or mottled appearance and postmedian eye spots on hind wings.

Identification Tips

Look for the characteristic dark brown to black coloration with reflective markings, especially in males, and the distinctive wing patterns including pale spots or stripes, particularly in females.

Habitat

Primarily found in wooded areas, they are highly adapted to conceal themselves in their natural environments.

Distribution

Primarily Neotropical, with one genus represented in Africa; few species north of Mexico, with some stray to the U.S.

Diet

Larvae feed on plants from the Euphorbiaceae family, while adult feeding habits can vary but typically include nectar from flowers.

Life Cycle

Eggs are roughly rounded with vertical ribs; larvae typically have bulb-tipped horns and rows of branching spines.

Reproduction

Information on specific reproductive behaviors is limited, but larvae develop on host plants within their habitat.

Predators

Not specified, but likely have various natural predators typical to their habitat.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as pollinators and forms part of the food web within their ecosystems.

Evolution

Part of the monophyletic group within the Biblidinae subfamily; originated from a common ancestor distinct from other Nymphalidae tribes.

Similar Taxa

Epicaliini
Eubagini

Misconceptions

Some may confuse Ageroniini with similar families; however, they are distinct in wing pattern and biological characteristics.