Butterflies of Cusco

Melanis smithiae smithiae

Fairly common up to 1050 m. Attracted to bait. Extent of orange markings highly variable; two extreme examples are shown.

Similar species: [none]

550 m., Villa Carmen, Paucartambo
2016-Nov14

1050 m., Lower Manu Road, Paucartambo
2016-Nov15

550 m., Villa Carmen, Paucartambo
2016-Nov14

Fairly common 1050-1150 m. Attracted to mud and bait.

Similar species: [none]

1050 m., Lower Manu Road, Paucartambo
2016-May14

1050 m., Lower Manu Road, Paucartambo
2019-Oct11

Uncommon 1050-1100 m., possibly higher. Attracted to bait. Extent and colour tone (sometimes pinkish) of orange markings variable.

Similar species: None?

1050 m., Lower Manu Road, Paucartambo
2015-Nov15

1100 m., Lower Manu Road, Paucartambo
2016-Nov19

Rare(?) at 1000 m., probably lower. Found in dry forest. Perches and chases intruders at dusk; attracted to bait.

Similar species: [none]

(500 m., Tarapoto, San Martin)
2018-Sep20

1000 m., Quillabamba, La Convencion
2022-Sep17

Fairly common up to 1050 m., up to 1500 m. in dry valleys. Puddles, and attracted to bait. I'm not sure which subspecies occur(s) in Cusco.

Similar species: [none]

1050 m., Lower Manu Road, Paucartambo
2015-Nov25

1500 m., Puente Quencomayo, Calca
2022-Sep22