Prometheus cochrus (Fabricius, 1787)

(Fig. 12)

Papilio cochrus Fabricius, 1787

Taxonomic history. Miller (1995) recognizes three species [ cochrus (Fabricius), garbei Foetterle, and houlberti Rothschild] in the genus and two subspecies for cochrus [ cochrus (Fabricius) and intermedia Raymundo), however the enormous variation within the species [mentioned also by Miller (1986)] led Lamas (1995) to synonymize them all under cochrus .

Distribution. Distributed in South East Brazil, this highly variable species also reaches Paraguay (Miller 1986; Jörgensen 1930). The species (cited as Castnia (Prometheus) garbei) has been collected in Mbuvevo, Guairá Department, Paraguay, during the months of November and December (Jörgensen 1930).

Biology and behavior. This species has been seen in Brazil flying from 11:00 to 15:00 during December and January in clear areas close to creeks (Biezanko 1961a). According to Jörgensen (1930) they possibly attack plants in the genera Bromelia and Ananas (Bromeliaceae) because he collected specimens flying around them in Mbuvevo. Biezanko (1961a) mentions that the larvae feed on several Bromeliaceae ( Ananas comosus (L.) Merr., Bromelia antiacantha Bertol and Tillandsia aeranthos (Loisel) L.B. Smith).

Material examined. CAAGUAZÚ: 13, “Caa-Guazú, Paraguay ”, A. Breyer Collection (MLP). GUAIRÁ: 1Ƥ, “ Paraguay. Independencia”, A. Breyer Collection (MLP).