Bicyclus anynana

Bicyclus anynana
Bicyclus anynana
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Tribe: Elymniini
Genus: Bicyclus
Species: B. anynana
Binomial name
Bicyclus anynana
(Butler, 1879)
Synonyms
  • Mycalesis anynana Butler, 1879
  • Mycalesis anynana f. vicaria Thurau, 1903
  • Mycalesis anynana var. neglecta Thurau, 1903

The Squinting Bush Brown (Bicyclus anynana) is a butterfly of the Nymphalidae family. It is found in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, KwaZulu-Natal, from Swaziland to Ethiopia, southern Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, eastern Zaire, the Comoros and Socotra[1].

Head of the caterpillar

The wingspan is 35–40 mm for males and 49-45 for females. There are two extended generations per year. The wet season form is on wing in spring and summer and the dry season form in autumn and winter[2]

The larvae feed on various Poaceae species. Larvae have been reared on Ehrharta erecta.

Research

Researchers at Yale University have discovered that the temperature at which the larvae are raised has an effect on the imago's sexual behaviour. Females raised in a cooler environment are more likely to actively court male butterflies. In a warmer environment, the male butterflies traditionally take on the active role in courtship [3]

Subspecies

  • Bicyclus anynana anynana (Kenya to Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Rhodesia, Botswana, South Africa, Comoro Islands)
  • Bicyclus anynana centralis Condamin, 1968 (Uganda, southern Zaire, eastern Zaire, northern Angola)
  • Bicyclus anynana socotrana (Butler, 1881) (Socotra Island)

References

  1. ^ Bicyclus, Site of Markku Savela
  2. ^ Woodhall, S. Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa, Cape Town:Struik Publishers, 2005.
  3. ^ http://www.sify.com/news/female-butterflies-chase-males-when-it-s-cool-news-international-lbhpahdfgff.html