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.
Butterflies in the genus Achlyodes are known as Batwings or Bat Skippers. There are only 2 species busirus and pallida. Additionally there are 7 more species that are sometimes included in Achlyodes but further analysis has now resulted in them being transferred to Eantis, namely minna, tamenund, papinianus, munroei, minor, mithridates and thraso.
Achlyodes busirus is distributed from Mexico to Brazil and Bolivia.
Habitats
This is a widespread and common species found at altitudes between sea level and at least 1600m in disturbed habitats including forest edges, glades, clearings, roadsides, riverbanks, orchards and farms.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are found throughout the year, but are commonest in the rainy season. During the dry season the species can still be found, but most examples tend to be worn and battered.
Males are usually seen as singletons amongst mixed mud-puddling aggregations of other Pyrgine skippers such as Anastrus, Antigonus, Ebrietas and Gorgopas. Females are seen less often, and visit flowers for nectar. Both sexes rest and feed with the wings outspread, and the forewing apex bent downward.