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Apefly

Apefly

Spalgis epius

A species of Spalgis

Spalgis epius, the apefly, is a small butterfly found in the Indomalayan realm that belongs to the lycaenids or blues family. It gets its name from the supposed resemblance of its pupa to the face of an ape.

General Info About Apefly
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Attributes of Apefly
Colors
Brown
Yellow
Gray
White
Habitat
Rainforest; humid deciduous forest
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, honeydew
Larva Food Source
Mealybugs (family pseudococcidae)
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Apefly 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
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Apefly
Widespread
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Distribution Area of Apefly
African, Papua New Guinea, Philippines
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Life Cycle of Apefly
Egg After oviposition, the egg of apefly rests, attached to a substrate. The egg is often spherical or ovate, with a protective outer layer that might be variably colored to blend with its surroundings.
Larva The larva of apefly hatches from the egg. This stage is focused on feeding and growth, taking on a worm-like appearance with a soft, segmented body that expands and molts several times as it grows.
Pupal The pupa represents apefly's transformation phase. Encased within a chrysalis, the pupa is immobile and undergoes considerable internal change. Its form changes drastically as it begins to resemble the adult, while still encased.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult apefly’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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Predators of Apefly Larvae
Formicidae
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Scientific Classification of Apefly
Tips for Finding Apefly
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Youth Habitat of Apefly
Forests and Woodlands, Savannas
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Adult Habitat of Apefly
Forests and Woodlands, Savannas, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Tropical Rainforests
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How Can You Attract Apefly
Because apefly primarily feeds on the honeydew produced by ants’ mutualisms, rather than flowers, standard bait traps with rotting fruit or fermented sugars may not be very attractive to them. However, mimicking the chemical signals of ants or providing honeydew-like substances may be a more effective way to lure them.
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Habitat Preferences of Apefly Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of apefly are typically found on the underside of host plant leaves, where they are laid singly to avoid predation. Caterpillars of apefly dwell in close association with ant colonies, often on the ground or in low vegetation, relying on ants for protection and sustenance. Pupae are situated in concealed locations near the ant colonies, sometimes within the ant nest itself. Adults are usually spotted in sunny spots within their habitat range in forests or shrubby areas, feeding on nectar from flowers. To locate these stages, one would search from the foliage of host plants, to the ground level where ant activity is noted, and then to flowering plants in well-lit areas.
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How and Where Can You Find Apefly at Different Life Stages
Egg Apefly eggs are small and often laid on the host plants associated with its mutualistic ants. To find them, search on the underside of leaves and along stems of host plants, using a magnifying glass if necessary.
Larva Apefly larvae are usually found in the company of ants, often on host plants or where ant trails are present. Look for larvae near ant nests or on plants where ants are actively foraging, as apefly larvae have a symbiotic relationship with ants.
Pupal Apefly pupae may be attached to plants or nestled in debris near the ground. They can be located by carefully searching the ground or lower vegetation in habituated ant territories.
Adult Apefly adults are likely to be found in areas where their host ants are present. Seeking out adult apefly can be done by searching along trails and clearings for sightings of flying individuals which may occasionally settle on vegetation.
Are Apefly harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Apefly
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Apefly is an effective pollinator, often observed flitting from flower to flower to consume pollen. Its interaction with flowers is guided by visual and olfactory cues, with the insect being drawn to the vivid colors, enticing scents, and distinctive shapes of blossoms. As it feeds, apefly inadvertently collects pollen on its body and transfers it between plants, aiding in their reproduction.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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