Introduction
There are 5 Zizina species. All were formerly regarded as subspecies of otis but are now recognised as distinct species. They are antanossa which occurs throughout Africa, labradus which is found in Australia, oxleyi which is endemic to New Zealand and emelina which is confined to Tibet and western China.
There is still a great deal of confusion regarding the distribution of the ‘true’ otis, but current opinion is that it occurs in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, Java, Bali and New Guinea.
Habitats
This species can be found in almost any open grassy habitat including forest clearings, riverbanks, roadsides, parkland and gardens, at elevations between sea level and about 1500m.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplants are Mimosa, Zornia, Sesbania, Alysicarpus, Lotus and Indigofera ( Fabaceae ).
Adult behaviour
Both sexes flutter constantly just above ground level, pausing occasionally to nectar at daises and other low growing flowers. In hazy sunlight they will bask on the ground, with their wings half open. They roost overnight on low vegetation or on bushes.