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Angled sunbeam

Angled sunbeam

Curetis acuta

A species of Sunbeams

Boasting a radiant presence, the angled sunbeam darts through sunlit clearings, showcasing its distinct metallic upper-wing hues that glisten in sunlight. This lively flutterer, an adept survivor from larva to adult, is often spotted sipping nectar from a diverse array of host plants, seeking out Acacia species, its caterpillar form showcasing a unique mutualistic relationship with ant colonies for protection against predators.

General Info About Angled sunbeam
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Attributes of Angled sunbeam
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Orange
Habitat
forest
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from various flowers, including lantana species, ixora species, tridax procumbens, bidens pilosa, and hibiscus species
Larva Food Source
Leaves of fabaceae species, albizia species, archidendron species, callerya species, and dalbergia species
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
The Angled sunbeam is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Angled sunbeam feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Angled sunbeam
It is found in Indomalayan realm.
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Distribution Area of Angled sunbeam
South India, Pachhmari, Mussoories to Dawnas, Sikkim, Assam, China, Hainan, Taiwan, Japan, northern Burma and Indochina
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Life Cycle of Angled sunbeam
Egg During the egg stage, the angled sunbeam is encapsulated within a protective shell. The eggs are often spherical or oval and can vary in color, often camouflaged to match the environment.
Larva As larvae, angled sunbeams exhibit worm-like forms, lacking wings, with distinct chewing mouthparts. They focus on feeding and growth, molting multiple times, each molt resulting in a size increase.
Pupal In the pupal stage, angled sunbeam undergoes transformation within a chrysalis. This period is characterized by reorganization of tissues and development of adult structures. The chrysalis itself is often cryptic.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult angled sunbeam’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Angled sunbeam
3.5 - 4 cm
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Interesting Facts About Angled sunbeam
When angled sunbeam caterpillars feed, they maintain a mutualistic relationship with ants, which protect them in exchange for a sweet secretion.
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Scientific Classification of Angled sunbeam
Tips for Finding Angled sunbeam
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Youth Habitat of Angled sunbeam
Forests and Woodlands, Tropical Rainforests
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Adult Habitat of Angled sunbeam
Forests and Woodlands, Tropical Rainforests, Savannas, Gardens and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Angled sunbeam
Adult angled sunbeam might be attracted to trap foods like rotting fruit, nectar flowers, or artificial baits.
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Habitat Preferences of Angled sunbeam Through Different Life Stages
During its larval stage, angled sunbeam is typically found on the underside of host plant leaves, often in habitats like subtropical forests or savannas with suitable flora. As a pupa, angled sunbeam selects well-concealed locations such as crevices or under foliage to form a chrysalis, blending with its environment for protection. Adult angled sunbeam, due to their flying ability, are more widespread but frequently visit flowers in sunny spots for nectar. To locate angled sunbeam, one would search leaf undersides in their habitat for caterpillars, examine sheltered spots for chrysalises, and explore flowering areas in sunlight for adults.
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How and Where Can You Find Angled sunbeam at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of angled sunbeam are often laid on the host plants. To find them, carefully examine the leaves and stems of potential host species for small, inconspicuous eggs.
Larva Caterpillars of angled sunbeam can be found on or near their host plants. Look for them by carefully inspecting the foliage for signs of feeding, such as chewed leaves, frass, or the caterpillars themselves.
Pupal Pupae of angled sunbeam are typically hidden in concealed locations on or near the host plant, often lower to the ground. Search for them by checking the undersides of leaves, within leaf litter, or in crevices on the plant.
Adult Adult angled sunbeam are most active during warm and sunny parts of the day. Finding them involves visiting habitats such as flower-rich fields and alongside forest edges where they can be observed feeding on nectar, basking, or searching for mates.
Are Angled sunbeam harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Angled sunbeam
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Fabaceae
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Angled sunbeam is an efficient pollinator, attracted to the bright colors and distinct shapes of Asteraceae and legume flowers. While primarily seeking pollen as a food source, they incidentally transfer pollen between flowers, contributing to plant reproduction.
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