1. Small to medium size butterflies. Most are dull coloured
2. Forelegs modified in to brushes and are not suited for walking
3. Very few species possess 'tail'; Many are ornamented with eye spots (ocelli) and fine streaks on the surface of underside (Picture 02).
4. Sex marks appear on the wings of most males
- either on the forewing
- or on the costal margin of the hindwing (hair-pencil-like structure/ androconia)
4. They are well protected from predators by having dull colouration and crepuscular habits (active in dusk) (Picture 01).
5. Some of the members (Elymnias) mimic poisonous butterfly species of other families.
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Picture 02. - Vannisa cardui involve in migration. |
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6. Flight is weak and stay long period in resting position with no movements.
7. Satyrids show sexual and seasonal dimorphism.
8. Food plants belong to Gramineae (Poaceae) and Palmaceae.
Family Satyridae in Sri Lanka
There are 16 species in Sri Lanka with five endemic species
Table. Number of Species from each genus
Genus |
Group |
Number of Species |
Endemic |
Elymnias |
Palmflies |
2 |
1 |
Lethe |
Treebrowns |
4 |
2 |
Melanitis |
Eveningbrowns |
2 |
|
Mycalesis |
Bushbrowns |
4 |
1 |
Nisanga |
Gladeye |
1 |
|
Orsotriaena |
Niger brown |
1 |
|
Ypthima |
Rings |
2 |
1 |
Species Account
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