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 tribe Achlyodini includes 13 genera in the neotropical region, amongst which are the Achlyodes and Eantis Batwing Skippers; and such diverse genera as Pythonides, Atarnes, Haemactis, Quadrus and Ouleus.
The genus Aethilla comprises of 10 large species characterised by having dark brown or black wings with indistinct suffused markings. Most species have conspicuous white or yellow margins. All have stout bodies and large prominent eyes.
Aethilla eleusina is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Habitats
This species occurs in forested habitats at altitudes between about 200-800m.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are rapid in flight, but are very placid once they have settled to imbibe moisture from the ground. They habitually settle with the wings outspread and the forewings swept back as shown in the photograph on this page. They are sometimes encountered singly, but more often in two’s and three’s.