Introduction
The subfamily Pyrrhopyginae comprises 163 stout-bodied and powerfully flying species, all of which are confined to the neotropical region. They are divided into 4 tribes – the Zoniini, Pyrrhopygini, Oxynetrini and Passovini. The last named includes 26 spectacular species in the genera Aspitha, Azonax, Granila, Myscelus and Passova.
The genus Myscelus comprises of 11 beautiful species, each sharing the same wing shape and basic pattern as nobilis, although the shape and configuration of the hyaline windows on the forewings varies according to species. The circular hyaline window found on the hindwing of amystis, nobilis and phoronis is absent in some of the other species including epimachia and santhilarius.
Myscelus nobilis, previously known as illustris, is known from Surinam, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.
Habitats
This species appears to be confined to primary rainforest and transitional cloudforest habitats at elevations between about 400-1000 metres.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
Males can sometimes be found imbibing mineralised moisture from river sandbanks or from the edges of puddles. They are sedentary in behaviour, spending long periods basking on the ground.