Mechanitis messenoides holmgreni
Uncommon up to 1350 m. Attracted to Eupatorieae flowers. Form with black VHW is much more common than the form with a striped VHW (which could be mis-identified).
Similar species: Heliconius numata aristiona is superficially similar but has shorter antennae and lacks red on the 'back of the neck'; it is also unlikely to visit Eupatorieae flowers which is where Mechanitis are often seen. Melinaea marsaeus mothone has much broader wings. Others?
1100 m., Lower Manu Road, Paucartambo
2016-May14
900 m., Cadena, Quispicanchi
2015-Dec15
Mechanitis lysimnia ocona
Uncommon(?) at 1100 m., probably lower. Attracted to bird droppings. Other subspecies may occur elsewhere in lowlands of Cusco.
Similar species: Three-parted yellow subapical markings FW distinguish ocona from any subspecies of M. polymnia.
1100 m., Quebrada Honda, Calca
2022-Sep21
1050 m., Quillabamba, La Convencion
2018-Aug23
600 m. Quebrada Bienvenida, Paucartambo
2022-Nov03
700 m., Kuporo Lodge, Quispicanchi
2021-Aug01
[Previous genus][Next genus]