Immature stages and natural history of Pseudodebis celia (Cramer, 1779) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae: Euptychiina) from the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil

Abstract

We provide a comprehensive and illustrated account of the immature stages and natural history of Pseudodebis celia (Cramer, 1779) from the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil. Eggs and larvae were found on the woody bamboo Phyllostachys aurea Carrière ex Rivière & C. Rivière (Poaceae), representing the first host plant identified to the species level for P. celia. The egg, all larval instars, and pupa are described and illustrated, including the first description of the complete chaetotaxy of the first instar. Most individuals completed development in four larval instars, although one individual exhibited a supernumerary fifth instar. Pupal color polyphenism was observed, with both green and brown forms recorded. Immature morphology is compared with that of congeners and other members of the “Taygetis clade”, and the observed characters support the distinctiveness of Pseudodebis within this lineage.