Introduction
The Pyrginae, popularly known as Flats or Spreadwings, are a cosmopolitan subfamily distributed across temperate and tropical habitats throughout the world. In the Americas there are 990 species.
The genus Cycloglypha comprises of 6 known species, all confined to the neotropics. They are small butterflies averaging about 4 cms in wingspan.
The name Cycloglypha or ‘circular symbols’ refers to the iridescent oval markings. Butterflies in the genera Cycloglypha, Helias, Camptopleura, Ebrietas and Gorgythion share the habit of folding down the apex of their forewings when basking, and are thus collectively known as ‘bent skippers’.
Cycloglypha tisias is a common species distributed from Mexico to southern Brazil.
Habitats
This is a forest edge species, found along roadsides, riverbanks and wide forest trails at altitudes between sea level and about 1500 meters.
Lifecycle
In common with other Pyrgine butterflies Cycloglypha lay their eggs singly on either the upperside or underside of leaves. I have no data regarding the larvae or pupae.
Adult behaviour
Males visit sandbanks and roadsides to imbibe mineralised moisture, and often form mud-puddling aggregations with Camptopleura Chiomara, Ebrietas and Antigonus species. They have a rapid flight, zig-zagging and flying about in tight circles just above the surface of the ground.