Periander Metalmark

Rhetus periander is a riodinid butterfly named by Cramer in 1777. Papilio periander is the original generic combination. [1]

Males have broad, curved hindwing tails. The upperwings are black with extensive blue inner fields and red hindwing spots. Beneath, brown wings carry longitudinal white stripes, with red forewing lines and red spots near the bases of the hindwing tails. [1]

Documented records include Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, Suriname and Brazil. An illustrated Brazilian specimen comes from Vilhena, Rondônia, and is held in the INPA invertebrate collection. The species is associated with forest edges and river banks. [1][2]

Adults fly rapidly and may rest in sunshine on the ground or low vegetation. They take nectar and visit mineral deposits along stream banks. [1]

Keep the enclosure closed and display it in indirect light, away from heat and damp conditions. Handle the frame by its edges and clean only its exterior according to the maker’s instructions.