Calisto species

[Buckeye]

Hi Pete,

The Calisto butterfly species is endemic to the Caribbean and the most species are to be found in Hispaniola. I took several photo's of 2 species and can't find any information on the net, maybe there is some information in your book about this family of butterflies that will help me out.

photo 1- Ringlet Butterfly species:
http://community.webshots.com/photo/522 ... 9621gPAsgG

Photo 2:
http://community.webshots.com/photo/522 ... 9621wGEpva

I hope that I'm not asking too much of you!

[Pete Eeles]

There are 14 Calisto species listed, and finding the right one ain't easy

But I think your first photo is Calisto lyceius (Saona ringlet). It's the only one with an oval spot on the hindwing in Hispaniola.

The second photo is more difficult. But I think it's a Rusty ringlet (Calisto hysius).

The book I have contains little information on either species (other than identification info). Do you remember specifically where you found these? That might help pin things down. Some Calistos are only found in mountainous terrain.

Cheers,

- Pete

[Buckeye]

Hi Pete,

I observed both species in a damp lowland area, not far from the coast. They were on the same plant as the "Purple Emperor". The plant looked like a Polygonum aubertii only the cluster of white flowers was a lot biger than by Polygonum aubertii.