Butterflies of Zihuatanejo

SUPERFAMILY PAPILIONOIDEA

-Subtribe Euptychiina

-One-pupil Satyr (Vareuptychia similis)

The One-pupil Satyr (Vareuptychia similis) is a small, subtle butterfly in the Nymphalidae family, belonging to the "browns" or "satyrs" group (Satyrinae). It is particularly notable in the Neotropics for its association with dry forest habitats and its distinct wing patterns used to differentiate it from nearly identical relatives. The underside is brown with two irregular dark lines running down the centre. It features a row of yellow-rimmed black eyespots (ocelli) along the outer margin. Adults typically fly low to the ground among grasses.

Diet

It belongs to the subfamily Satyrinae, whose caterpillars commonly feed on grasses and other monocotyledonous plants.
Adults visit flowers for nectar and may also obtain nutrients from damp ground and other organic sources.

Range

Vareuptychia similis is a Central American and Mexican satyr occurring from Mexico through Guatemala and into parts of northern South America.
It occurs along western Mexico, including Guerrero, and is present in the Zihua region.

Habitat

It inhabits tropical dry forest, humid forest, woodland edges, clearings and secondary vegetation.
In the Zihua region, suitable habitat includes tropical dry forest, woodland and shaded vegetation along streams and forest margins.
Adults are generally encountered flying close to the ground or resting on vegetation in partially shaded areas.

Description

A small to medium-sized satyr with predominantly brown wings and the subdued appearance typical of many Euptychiina.
The underside of the wings has contrasting straight or gently curved bands and rows of small eyespots, including a conspicuous eyespot on the hindwing.