Early Stages and Natural History of Memphis perenna lankesteri Butterfly (Nymphalidae, Charaxinae) from Costa Rica with the First Published Female Pictures
Jim Córdoba-Alfaro *
Biological Science Department, National University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica.
Luis Ricardo Murillo-Hiller
Butterflies Research Center, Biology School, University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The early stages of Memphis perenna lankesteri (Hall 1935) are described and illustrated in this paper, with the first published female pictures. The butterfly larvae were found in Croton niveus (Euphorbiaceae) in Mansiones de Montes de Oca (9º 56´N, 84º 01´W), San José, Costa Rica, with an immature stages duration of 
59 days (n=18). The larvae behavior, body shape larvae, host plant and female phenotype were discussed.
Keywords: Taxonomy, morphology, endemism, M. pithyusa, M. niedhoeferi, M. glauce, M. artacaena, M. xenocles, M. arginussa, M. appias, Euphorbiaceae, Croton niveus.