| Genus/Species: | Alcides agathrysus |
| Common Name: | |
| Family/Subfamily: | Uraniidae |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Origin: | Bulolo |
| Location: | BUC |
| Remarks: | A remarkable example for Müllerian mimicry is the moth Alcides agathrysus (Uraniidae), that is imitated by the swallowtail butterfly Papilio laglaizei (Papilionidae). The day-active Alcides often occurs in flocks of ten or so animals. A closer look might reveal one particular animal, whose flight is more clumsy and different from the others. This animal is Papilio laglaizei that intermingles with the moths. The comparison of the two species shows the striking resemblance of their under- and uppersides. The characteristic orange spot on each side of Alcides’ abdomen is lacking on P. laglaizei. However, the latter has the two orange spots on the underside of the hindwings, evoking the impression that the spots are on the abdomen. |
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© John W. Dobunaba & Michael F. Schneider, 1999