Psyche

Description:

The sexes are similar. Both its wings are rounded. It is a pure white butterfly with a black spot at the edge of the cell and another irregular patch at the apex of the upper side of the forewing. These patches are faintly visible through the under side, especially against the light. Its underside is mottled in khaki green scales which are distinct in newly emerged butterflies. The mottles on the upper margin of the forewing are blackish.

Notes:

The Psyche flies among herbs and grasses, never above 2 feet. If it is alarmed, it flies restlessly, but very slowly around a small area for a long period. It settles on flowers regularly in an inclined angle with folded wings, while hiding its forewing between its hindwings. Though it is pure white, it is difficult to locate when settled, due to the mottled markings. It is fond of flowers such as Oxalis barrelieri, but it rarely sips mud. This butterfly is abundant in herby weed growths under the shade of trees. It never goes too far into sunny patches or into dense forest areas. It is a low country butterfly, particularly found in the wet zone and scarcely in the hills.