Octauius Swordtail (Chorinea octauius)

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Octauius Swordtail (Chorinea octauius)
  • Aperture: f/18
  • Camera: NIKON D700
  • Taken: 24 Nov 2010 09:42:55
  • Focal length: 150 mm
  • ISO: 800
  • Shutter speed: 1/160 s

In one of the few areas the Pyro indians (Pemon) had not eradicated the forest by fire, I saw this incredible butterfly by the side of the road. I got one shot before it took off.

The forested areas, and those around the streams in particular, have a rich diversity of butterflies. Unfortunately I did not have the time to explore or photograph them – I had to choose and focused on flora and landscape mainly. Perhaps I will return to explore more of the insects at a later time.

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3 Responses to “Octauius Swordtail (Chorinea octauius)”

  1. Andrew Neild says:

    This is Chorinea octauius (= faunus) (Riodinidae). It’s a stunning butterfly which is rarely seen. When it flies it’s impossible to tell it’s a butterfly – it beats it’s transparent wings so fast they become a blur, but the red patches remain visible – and so it looks more like a bee or a fly! What is not obvious in the photo is that at certain angles the transparent areas have a beautiful blue reflection, reminding the observer of the similar effect seen on the surface of soap bubbles!

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  2. morten says:

    Many thanks Neild! Name updated :-)

    Finally knowing the name a species opens up all the doors to what is unique about it. I just had a visual glimpse, but now I can search and find out so much more about this incredible insect.

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  1. [...] a Swordtail, but no species name.  Then we substituted Swordtail for Swallowtail and we found Morton Ross’ website and a lovely photo identified as the Octauius Swordtail, Chorinea octauius.  Armed with a [...]

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