SATYRINiE. 
25 
Yphthima avanta, Moore. 
On the wing throughout the year and very abundant, the seasonal forms differing widely; 
the w.s.f. with the ocelli on both upper and underside large and distinct ; in the d.s.f. obscure on 
the upper and practically obsolete on the underside, except the large apical ocellus in the forewing, 
which remains distinct on the underside. This insect also varies much in size and tint, some 
individuals differing so greatly as to appear distinct species. Though somewhat resembling 
Mycalesis in general appearance, its habits are quite different, for it is fond of flowers and sunshine, 
is altogether diurnal, and though chiefly frequenting open, grassy country is for ever on the move, 
wandering on and on with a devious but not strong flight, now and then disappearing for a few 
moments amongst undergrowth. Though sombre in colouring it is a lively little butterfly, 
evidently easily pleased and contented, for it visits the smallest and most inconspicuous flowers, or 
feasts on the gummy secretions of various grasses. The sexes are alike, but the $ is usually the 
larger and the ocelli larger and brighter than in the $. When resting this insect generally closes 
the wings, but sometimes it expands them fully, occasionally slowly fanning with them, especially 
when on a flower or a bare patch of ground in the sun. 
Fig. 4, PI. HI is from a $ taken in May, below which is figured the upperside of a 
g taken in February; Fig, 5 is from an unusually small and light-coloured $ taken in March. 
One specimen I bred had the outer rings of the ocelli on the underside of the left hindwing 
coalescing and running out to the margin, forming a continuous yellow ochre patch; the right wing 
was normal. 
Egg, globular, smooth, yellowish, laid on grass blades, sometimes two or three close 
together on one leaf. 
Larva, just hatched purplish, slightly hairy, head brown. Figured on PI. ia, Fig. 15, 
pupa Fig. 16. The larvae are sluggish in their movements: they feed on various grasses, amongst 
which are Ischcemum ciliare and Kyllingia monocephala. The abdominal segments of the pupa 
are very distinctly ridged. 
