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. They 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. Many of the species are very similar, but can usually be distinguished from each other by close examination of the configuration of the ocelli and submarginal lines.
Mycalesis gotama is found in north-east India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, West Malaysia, south China, Taiwan and Japan.
Habitats
This species is found in rainforest and deciduous forest, usually in small glades or along logging roads. It occurs at elevations between sea level and about 600m.
Lifecycle
The larva is greenish or brownish in colour, with thin dorsal and lateral stripes. It feeds nocturnally on bamboo Bambusa, and on various grasses including Miscanthus, Setaria, Isachne and Oryza.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies tend to be encountered in small glades or along narrow trails at spots where dappled sunlight penetrates to ground level. They fly infrequently and keep low to the ground, settling on dead leaves beneath bushes. The flight is slow, bobbing and erratic, as is typical of Satyrines.
