Introduction
The genus Hypocysta comprises of 12 species, found variously in Australia and New Guinea. Most Hypocysta species have elongated wings, and are dark brown on the upperside, with large whitish or orange patches. In the case of adiante the wings are more rounded and the orange extends to the edge of the wings in some examples, leaving only a dark apex. The hindwings of most species have large ocelli although again adiante is an exception to this rule, with the ocelli on the upperside barely visible.
Hypocysta adiante is found in the northern half of Australia, in Northern Territory, Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales.
Habitats
This species occurs in woodland clearings and glades, meadows and fields at elevations between about 200-1000m.
Lifecycle
The egg is smooth, globular and cream in colour. It is laid singly on the underside of a grass blade. When fully grown the larva is pinkish-brown with numerous thin dark longitudinal lines. It feeds at dusk on kangaroo grass Themeda ( Poaceae ).
Adult behaviour
The adults sometimes visit flowers but are more often seen basking or resting among grasses.
