Morphology of the Early Stages of Mycalesis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) From North‐eastern Australia

Abstract

The early stages of Mycalesis perseus (F.), M. terminus (F.) and M. Sirius (F.) are described from Townsville and Cardwell, north‐eastern Australia. the species show close morphological similarities in the egg and early instar larvae. They diverge in both structure and behaviour from about third instar onwards. Final instar larva” of M. terminus and M. Sirius are brown, whereas those of M. perseus are polymorphic though predominantly green. Pupal polymorphism occurs in all three species: pupae are mostly green but dark brown morphs occur during the dry winter months. Copyright © 1994, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved