Habitat and ecology
Idioneurula donegani is found in low vegetation with spiny plants. © B Huertas/Proyecto YARE/CLP
Yariguíes páramo is characterised by low vegetation with spiny plants. We observed:
- tall Espeletias (frailejones)
- Blechnaceae ferns (Blechnum schomburgkii)
- Eriocaulaceae (Paepalanthus)
- Ericaceae
- Clusiaceae
- Bromeliaceae
- Melastomataceae
- Orchidaceae
- Asteraceae
Other shrub species were present, with some isolated palms (Palmaceae) (4-6m tall) and other dry shrubs of less than 1.5m height.
There is frequently direct sunlight from about 08.00 to midday, and then in the afternoon strong winds, torrential downpours and violent thunderstorms occur daily. Idioneurula donegani was observed with greater frequency in Filo Pamplona, possibly due to the season of collection (end of rainy season).
The species was frequently seen on ground-dwelling plants of Paepalanthus (Platycaulon)Mart. (Eriocaulaceae) and flying no more than 1.5 m above ground level.
It is active when ground-level mist or cloud is present and less active during times of strong insolation.
When resting, it holds its wings in an unusual manner (<180°) (multiple observations). It rests during the afternoon and during rain was observed under the leaves of an ericaceous plant.