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, of which about 580 are assigned to the tribe Pyrgini.
Cyclosemia and Myrinia are closely related genera, and it is often difficult to know to which of these genera a particular species belongs without examination of the venation and genitalia. Determining the exact species is even more difficult, so the identification of the illustrated butterfly should be regarded as tentative.
There are 6 Myrinia species.
Myrinia mysis occurs in the southern Amazon of Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.
Habitats
This species is found in rainforests at altitudes between about 100-600m.
Lifecycle
The lifecycle appears to be unrecorded.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are very active, zig-zagging and dodging about rapidly just above the surface of the ground. They rarely settle for more than a second or two, and spread their wings immediately upon landing. They are quite difficult to spot when settled on the dark sand, but once seen the ocelli on the forewings seem to stare at the observer, and presumably function to deter avian predators.