Introduction
Bicyclus is the most numerous of the Satyrine genera in Africa, comprising of about 85 species, 50 of which occur in West Africa. The butterflies are collectively known as Bush Browns, and can be thought of as the sister genus to the Asian Mycalesis.
Bicyclus are characterised by having a regular series of submarginal ocelli on the hindwings, and a pair of ocelli on the forewings, of which the lower ocellus is always the largest. In most species the ocelli are very prominent, but in a few species such as sweadneri they are vestigial, especially in the dry season morph. Most species have very rounded wings, but again there are a few exceptions such as zinebi which has a squarish apex on its forewings, and sambulos which has a stumpy “tail” on the hindwings.
Bicyclus sandace is found from Senegal to Ethiopia, and south to Angola and Kenya.
Habitats
This is a forest edge species found along logging roads and in clearings. It is an adaptable species however and also colonises farmland, riverbanks, parks, gardens, acacia scrub, coastal dunes and many other habitats.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplants are grasses, of which many species are probably used.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies fly in full sunshine all through the day, and rarely settle unless the weather is cool or overcast. Males regularly dip down into the grasses in search of females.
