Introduction
The genus Epitolina comprises of 5 species, and in common with other Lipteninae is wholly African in distribution. All are tiny, fast-flying species. The uppersides are dark brown, but in most species the males have a faint blue sheen. The undersides are pale earthy brown and in most species have an intricate pattern of small reddish or orange markings, although the straw coloured speckling on melissa is an exception to this general rule.
Epitolina melissa is found from Sierra Leone to Central African Republic, Angola, Congo, Uganda and western Tanzania.
Habitats
This butterfly inhabits rainforest and dense secondary growth.
Lifecycle
The larvae feed on algae growing on the bark of trees.
Adult behaviour
Both sexes fly rapidly just above the surface of the ground. They roost on thin dry twigs, normally just a few centimetres above ground level.