Penelope Satyr

Description:

Cissia is a genus of satyrid butterfly found in the Neotropic ecozone. Cissia penelope is one of the commonest and most widespread members of the Euptychiina, being found throughout most of tropical South America. The lifecycle is likely to be similar to that of other Cissia species, all of which produce round eggs with vertical striations. The eggs are laid either on or near the foodplants, which according to species may be either grasses ( Poaceae ), palms ( Arecaceae ), or arrowroots ( Marantaceae ). The larvae unlike those of most other Satyrines only have 4 instars. When fully grown they are brownish in colour with numerous thin darker and paler lines along the back and sides. The body tapers noticeably towards the head and tail. The latter has a pair of short caudal prongs. Like most other Satyrine larvae they are crepuscular or nocturnal feeders, and hide at the base of plants during the daytime. The pupa according to species may be pale green, brown or blackish, mottled or peppered with darker markings. It hangs by the cremaster from a stem or leaf of the foodplant.

Notes:

As with other Cissia species, the butterflies are solitary in behaviour, but invariably several will be found within the same vicinity. They fly in cloudy or sunny conditions, and can be found deep within the forest, or in open areas such as forest edges or along sunlit forest tracks.