Introduction
The Pyrginae, popularly known as Flats or Spreadwings, are a cosmopolitan subfamily distributed across temperate and tropical habitats throughout the world. In the Americas there are 990 species.
Gesta are closely allied to the Holarctic genus Erynnis, which they very much resemble in behaviour as well as in appearance. There are 5 Gesta species. Four of them – austerus, gesta, heteropterus and inga are neotropical in distribution, while the fifth – invisus, ranges from Texas south to Costa Rica.
Gesta gesta is distributed from Costa Rica to Argentina.
Habitats
This species breeds in disturbed grassy habitats at altitudes between sea level and about 1000m.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are usually encountered as small colonies. In sunny conditions they bask on the ground or on low foliage. In overcast or rainy weather, and overnight, they go to roost hanging from dead leaves, with their wings folded back like a Noctuid moth.