Introduction
Mycalesis is one of the largest Satyrine genera, comprising of 88 known species, of which 2 have yet to be given scientific names. The genus is confined to the Oriental and Australian regions. 26 species occur on New Guinea but only 2 reach Australia – terminus and sirius.
The butterflies are instantly recognisable as a group, all being some shade of brown on both wing surfaces, and marked with a series of conspicuous ocelli, and a single straight median line across the underside of both wings.
Mycalesis terminus is found in West Irian, Papua New Guinea, New Britain and most of the smaller islands east of the Wallace Line. In Australia it is found only in Northern Territory and Queensland.
Habitats
This is a rainforest species and is commonest during the rainy season.
Lifecycle
The larvae feed on Imperata and various other unidentified grasses.
Adult behaviour
The adults are usually encountered singly or in two’s and three’s at light gaps in the forest, or in forest edge habitats.