Introduction
The genus Osmodes comprises of 15 species, distributed variously across tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. All have blackish-brown uppersides with extensive bright orange-yellow markings. The undersides are yellow, mottled with blackish in most species, and are marked with conspicuous white spots which vary in configuration according to species.
Osmodes costatus is found from Ghana to Congo, Uganda and n.w. Tanzania.
Habitats
This rare species is found mainly along tracks and roads through rainforest.
Lifecycle
The lifecycle is unknown. The larvae of several related species feed on Marantaceae.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are usually seen singly, in the early morning, in the company of other Osmodes species. They bask on foliage, with the wings held in the typical Hesperiine posture.