Entheus priassus
Encyclopedia
Entheus priassus is a species
of skipper butterfly
from Central
and South America
. It is a specialist herbivore
on the leaves of Gustavia superba
(Lecythidaceae
).
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
of skipper butterfly
Skipper (butterfly)
A skipper or skipper butterfly is a butterfly of the family Hesperiidae. They are named after their quick, darting flight habits. There are more than 3500 recognized species of skippers and they occur worldwide, but with the greatest diversity in the Neotropical regions of Central and South...
from Central
Central America
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent...
and South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
. It is a specialist herbivore
Herbivore
Herbivores are organisms that are anatomically and physiologically adapted to eat plant-based foods. Herbivory is a form of consumption in which an organism principally eats autotrophs such as plants, algae and photosynthesizing bacteria. More generally, organisms that feed on autotrophs in...
on the leaves of Gustavia superba
Gustavia superba
Gustavia superba is a species of trees that grow in Central and North-Western America.Common names include Membrillo, Sachamango and Heaven Lotus. These plants are noted for having very long leaves and large flowers . The trunks themselves are mostly 6-10m high with the leaves radiating from the top...
(Lecythidaceae
Lecythidaceae
The Lecythidaceae comprise a family of about 20 genera and 250-300 species of woody plants native to tropical South America and Madagascar.According to the most recent molecular analysis of Lecythidaceae The Lecythidaceae comprise a family of about 20 genera and 250-300 species of woody plants...
).
Subspecies
- Entheus priassus priassus (Surinam, French Guiana)
- Entheus priassus pralina Evans, 1952 (Brazil (Espírito Santo))