Melete lycimnia
(Cramer, 1777)
common melwhite, primrose flag, lycimnia white flag
Melete lycimnia is a in the found from Texas to Bolivia. It inhabits lowland rainforests and exhibits considerable subspecific variation in coloration, ranging from with narrow black borders to primrose with wide borders. The has been documented with numerous across Central and South America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Melete lycimnia: /məˈliːteɪ lɪˈsɪmniə/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar by the presence of a spot at the base of the in some (notably M. l. peruviana) and the primrose yellow coloration with wide borders in M. l. lycimnia. The combination of geographic range (Texas to Bolivia, lowland rainforests) and the specific pattern elements separate it from other Melete and pierids.
Images
Appearance
Wingspan 52–56 mm. show subspecific variation: M. l. peruviana has ground color with narrow black borders and a spot at the base of the ; M. l. lycimnia is primrose yellow with wide borders. Females in all are more yellowish than males.
Habitat
Lowland rainforests.
Distribution
From Texas, United States south through Mexico, Central America, and South America to Bolivia. Documented in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Trinidad, Panama, Rica, Honduras, and Suriname.
Diet
probably feed on Loranthaceae .
Host Associations
- Loranthaceae - probable larval Based on probable feeding habits; specific not confirmed.
Similar Taxa
- Other Melete speciesShare -level characteristics but differ in specific pattern elements and geographic distribution.
- Sympatric Pieridae whitesSimilar general appearance but distinguished by pattern details, particularly the spot and border width variations in M. lycimnia .
More Details
Subspecific variation
The exhibits extensive subspecific variation with at least 15 named recognized, showing clinal variation in ground color from to and border width from narrow black to wide . This variation has led to complex taxonomic with many described forms.