Euphaedra opulenta
| Euphaedra opulenta | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Nymphalidae |
| Genus: | Euphaedra |
| Species: | E. opulenta
|
| Binomial name | |
| Euphaedra opulenta Hecq & Van de Weghe, 2005[1]
| |
Euphaedra opulenta is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Limenitidinae, and tribe Adoliadini. It was first described by entomologist Jacques Hecq in 1980. This butterfly is part of the genus Euphaedra, which contains many brightly colored species endemic to the Afrotropical region.[2]
Distribution and habitat
[edit]Euphaedra opulenta is known to occur in parts of Central Africa, particularly in Cameroon and Gabon.[3] These butterflies typically inhabit primary tropical rainforests and forest edges, where they are adapted to warm, humid conditions and a dense canopy cover.[4]
Description
[edit]While specific details on the appearance of Euphaedra opulenta are scarce in literature, members of the Euphaedra genus are generally recognized by their broad wings, vivid coloration, and metallic hues, which serve both for camouflage among the foliage and for mate attraction. Their underwings are usually more subdued, helping them blend into the environment when at rest.[3]
Behavior
[edit]Like other species in its genus, E. opulenta is presumed to be diurnal and to exhibit slow, gliding flight. Adults are often attracted to fermenting fruit and are less frequently observed visiting flowers.[5] They likely play a role in forest ecology as pollinators and as part of the food web.[6]
Conservation status
[edit]As of now, Euphaedra opulenta has not been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and thus its conservation status is unknown.[7] However, its presence in tropical rainforest habitats suggests it may be vulnerable to threats such as deforestation and habitat degradation.[8]
Taxonomy and classification
[edit]The species belongs to:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Genus: Euphaedra
- Species: Euphaedra opulenta
It was described in 1980 by Hecq, a lepidopterist known for his work on African butterflies.[2]
References
[edit]
- ^ "Euphaedra Hübner, [1819]" at Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms
- ^ a b Hecq, J. (1980). "Nouvelles espèces et sous-espèces de Euphaedra africaines (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae)". Lambillionea. 80: 41–48.
- ^ a b Afrotropical Butterflies: Nymphalidae - Tribe Adoliadini
- ^ Larsen, T.B. (2005). Butterflies of West Africa. Apollo Books.
- ^ "Genus Euphaedra". Learn About Butterflies. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
- ^ DeVries, P.J. (1987). "The Butterflies of Costa Rica and Their Natural History". Princeton University Press. 1: 12–22. doi:10.1515/9781400850996 (inactive 1 July 2025).
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of July 2025 (link) - ^ "The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species". IUCN Red List. Retrieved 2025-04-16.
- ^ Collins, N.M. (1991). The Conservation of Insects and Their Habitats. Academic Press.