Description
Wingspan 30-45mm. A small satyr that is easily identified by the prominent eye-spot below the apex of the forewing. The ground color of the upperside is dark brown to gray, except for the basal part of the hind wing, which is white. Unlike the Jewel Four-ring in which only the female has the large eye-spot on the upperside of the forewing, both sexes of the White Four-ring have the large eye-spot. The underside is finely marked with dark brown to gray lines. The submarginal area has a series of eye-spots that are variable in size and shape. 

Similar species
Jewel Four-ring - The upperside of the hind wing does not have the white band that is present in the White Four-ring.

Status, distribution and habitat
A very common butterfly from sea level to 4000 feet elevation. It is found everywhere, all year round. It is especially common along roadsides, edges of rice fields and other weedy places. 

Habits
A lively little butterfly that flies all day long among the short grass and herbs in its habitat. While flying, it stays just a few inches above ground. Its flight is a short hop or a bounce. It moves forward in a zigzag manner with a few crisp wing beats, often settling at regular intervals to rest, nectar or bask in the sun with its wings partly open. In the evening, it moves into a nearby thicket to spend the night, where it will rest on a low leaf or twig with its wings over its back. 

Early stages
The larva feeds on various grasses.

Previous  |  Next

Danaidae | Satyridae | Amathusiidae | Nymphalidae | Acraeidea | Libytheidae | Riodinidae | Lycaenidae | Pieridae | Papilionidae | Hesperidae