Gazera heliconioides micha ( H. Druce, 1896 )

Ríos, Sergio D. & González, Jorge M., 2011, A synopsis of the Castniidae (Lepidoptera) of Paraguay, Zootaxa 3055, pp. 43-61 : 53-54

publication ID	https://doi.org/ 10.11646/zootaxa.3055.1.3
DOI	https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6188126
persistent identifier	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03C4E64D-FFB8-D92C-FF36-6C63FBA3FB0A
treatment provided by	Plazi
scientific name	Gazera heliconioides micha ( H. Druce, 1896 )
status

Treatment

Gazera heliconioides micha ( H. Druce, 1896) View in CoL

( Fig. 13 View FIGURES 10 – 16 )

Castnia micha ( H. Druce, 1896) View in CoL

Taxonomic history. Described in the genus Castnia View in CoL by Druce (1896) but later included in the genus Cabirus View in CoL by Houlbert (1918). Talbot (1919) mentions that micha View in CoL “can only be considered as a race and not as a distinct species”.

Distribution. This subspecies is known from Bolivia, Paraguay and South East Brazil ( Miller 1986; Lamas 1995; Rothschild 1919). Jörgensen (1930) states that it is common in all the Eastern region of Paraguay. It is, apparently, together with Castnia invaria penelope , the commonest castniid species in Paraguay. Jörgensen (1930) mentions that it flies in forested areas, near bromeliads ( Bromelia sp. and Ananas sp.). It is frequently found perching close to the ground at the base of leaves or grasses and the way the moth rests and its wing and body coloration ( Fig. 20 View FIGURES 20 – 21 b) allows it to “disappear” in the surroundings. The first author observed individuals flying in urban places of Asunción, the capital city of Paraguay. He also observed them flying in Sapucay, Paraguarí Department and in Cerro Corá, Amambay Department. Ulf Drechsel (pers. comm.) collected and observed specimens in Sapucay, Paraguarí Department, and in Areguá, Central Department; while Contreras (2009) collected them in Ñeembucú Department.

Biology and behavior. Like all taxa in the genus, they have a close resemblance to members of Lycorea Doubleday ( Nymphalidae : Danainae ), Thyridia Hübner and Methona Doubleday ( Nymphalidae : Danainae , Ithomiini ), and to Notophyson heliconides (Swainson) ( Erebidae : Arctiinae , Pericopini ) ( Miller 1986; Lamas 1973).

Two males were observed by the first author in Paraguarí and Amambay Departments, while flying low and slowly, along paths surrounded with Bromelia balansae Mez , which allowed for easy collection. They also perched close to the ground ( Fig. 21 View FIGURES 20 – 21 ). These observations clearly contrast with those made by Contreras (2009) in more disturbed habitats, where specimens were found flying fast, strongly and very high (7–8 m above ground).The host plant is unknown, but we suspect that the larvae feed on Bromelia spp. and/or Ananas spp. Contreras (2009) mentions that Orchidaceae could also be hosts of this species.

Material examined. 13, Castnia micha Druce , 494, Paraguay ( SMNH). CORDILLERA: Caacupé, 22.IX.1969 (FCA/ DE); 1Ƥ, Atyrá, X.2002, Coll. C.Aguilar (MNHNPY). GUAIRÁ: 233,1Ƥ, “ Paraguay, Independencia”, A. Breyer Collection ( MLP); 13, 1Ƥ, Carlos Pfannl, Paraguay, no date (TPC). CAAGUAZÚ: Coronel Oviedo, 25.X.1972 (FCA/ DE); 13, “ Paraguay, Caa-Guazú”, XII-1948, Coll. F.H. Schade, A. Breyer Collection ( MLP);. PARAGUARÍ: 13, Sapucay. 8. X. 2008. Coll. S.Ríos (MNHNPY); 13, Sapucay, Paraguay 8.XI. 1997. Coll. U. Drechsel (MNHNPY); 13, Sapucay, Oct. 24, [1]900 ( NHMUM). CENTRAL: San Lorenzo, 23.X.1985 Coll. J.Estigarribia (FCA/ DE). ÑEEMBUCÚ: 13, Distrito Humaitá, Arroyo Franco Cué, 15.XI.2006 ( IBIS, 1719) (IBIS-UNP); 13, Distrito Isla Umbú, Arroyo Hondo, paraje Itá Cajón, 13.XII.2006 ( IBIS, 2109) (IBIS-UNP). AMAMBAY: 13, Parque Nacional Cerro Corá, 25.X.2009 Coll. S.Ríos (MNHNPY).