Life Woven in Mist: Immature stages and morphology of Andean Pronophilina butterflies from the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia (Satyrinae: Satyrini)

Vega Y.; Hernández-Caballero M.; Nakahara S.; Boyer P.; Díaz-S V.; Jaime O.; Mahecha-J O.; Pyrcz T.W. · Zoological Studies (2026) · DOI: 10.6620/zs.2026.65-35

Resumen

The subtribe Pronophilina comprises the most diverse lineage of Andean butterflies, with 59 genera and approximately 650 described species. Most studies on this group have focused on adults, highlighting a substantial gap in knowledge regarding the immature stages of the majority of species. Here, we document immatures stages of five Pronophilina species (Idioneurula erebioides, Daedalma drusilla, Pedaliodes ochrotaenia, P. nebris, P. guicana) for the first time. Additionally, we document immature stages of two additional species (Lymanopoda samius, Junea doraete) from the Eastern Cordillera in Colombia, building on earlier studies on these two taxa. The methodology involved systematic searches for eggs and larvae on potential host plants in the field. Collected larvae were photographed and monitored in the laboratory. Data on their interactions with host plants and parasitoids are presented. This approach allowed a comprehensive characterization of the life cycles, host plant associations, and larval behavior of each instar, providing valuable insights into the biology and ecology of this group of butterflies.