Melanis pixe

(Boisduval, 1836)

Red-bordered Pixie

Melanis pixe, commonly known as the red-bordered pixie, is a in the Riodinidae. The was described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1836. It is recognized for its distinctive aposematic coloration featuring black wings with red and yellow-orange markings. The species serves as a Müllerian mimicry model for other toxic insects in its range, including the White-tipped Black (Melanchroia chephise).

Red-bordered pixie (Melanis pixe) newly emerged by Anne Toal from US. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Melanis pixe pixe, Belize by Kristof Zyskowski & Yulia Bereshpolova. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Red-bordered Pixie (Melanis pixe) dorsal by Anne Toal from US. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Melanis pixe: //mɛˈlæ.nɪs ˈpɪk.sɛ//

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

Identification

Distinguished from similar Riodinidae by the specific pattern of red and yellow-orange markings on black wings. The combination of yellow-orange forewing tip with red basal spot and red hindwing marginal band is diagnostic. The serves as a model for Müllerian mimicry with Melanchroia chephise in areas of sympatry.

Images

Appearance

Wingspan approximately 40 mm. Upperside of wings black. Forewing with yellow-orange tip and red spot at base. Hindwing with band of red spots along outer margin. laid in clusters of 10–30 on plant leaves, stems, or bark.

Habitat

Associated with trees including Albizia caribea, Inga , and Pithecellobium species. specifics beyond host plant association are not well documented.

Distribution

Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas south to Rica. Two recognized: M. p. pixe (Mexico) and M. p. sanguinea (Costa Rica–Panama).

Diet

Larvae feed on leaves of Albizia caribea, Inga , and Pithecellobium species (including P. dulce). feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

  • Albizia caribea - larval larvae feed on leaves
  • Inga - larval larvae feed on leaves
  • Pithecellobium dulce - larval larvae feed on leaves

Life Cycle

laid in groups of 10–30 on tree leaves, stems, or bark. Larvae feed on leaves. details are not documented.

Behavior

deposited in clusters on multiple plant surfaces (leaves, stems, bark). The is presumed to be unpalatable to based on its aposematic coloration and its role as a Müllerian mimicry model.

Ecological Role

Serves as a Müllerian mimicry model for the White-tipped Black (Melanchroia chephise) in areas where their ranges overlap. This relationship suggests the possesses chemical defenses that make it unpalatable to .

Human Relevance

Subject of ecological interest due to its mimicry relationships. No significant documented economic or cultural importance.

Similar Taxa

More Details

Mimicry relationships

NABA South Texas notes that Melanchroia chephise are probably mimics of Melanis pixe. Both are aposematic and reach their northern distributional limits in south Texas. The relationship appears to be Müllerian rather than Batesian, as both species are likely chemically defended.

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Limnas pixe by Boisduval in 1836, later transferred to Melanis.

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Sources and further reading