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.
The genus Cycloglypha comprises of 6 known species, all confined to the neotropical region. They are small butterflies averaging about 4 cms in wingspan. The wing pattern of metallic purplish-blue wavy lines is quite similar to that found in the closely related genus Camptopleura which often flies in the same habitat. Both genera share the habit of folding down the apex of the forewings when basking, hence the name ‘bent skippers’.
This species is found from Nicaragua to Bolivia and southern Brazil.
Habitats
This is a forest edge species, found along roadsides, riverbanks and wide forest trails at altitudes between sea level and about 1000 meters.
Lifecycle
In common with other Pyrgine butterflies Cycloglypha lay their eggs singly on either the upperside or underside of leaves. I have no data regarding the early stages, but the larvae of Pyrgines are typically dull green or brownish, with thin longitudinal lines along the back and sides, and with black shiny heads. They feed typically on low growing herbaceous plants, but a small percentage feed on the leaves of bushes or trees. The pupae are usually dark and smooth, with the wing cases in a contrasting tone or colour. They are normally formed within silken tents formed by spinning together the leaves of the foodplant.
Adult behaviour
Males visit sandbanks and roadsides to imbibe moisture, and often form mud-puddling aggregations with Camptopleura, Chiomara, Ebrietas and Antigonus species. They have a rapid flight, zig-zagging and flying about in tight circles just above the surface of the ground.
Females are seen less often but can occasionally be seen flying around bushes at forest edge habitats.