General Description

Above: black with orange markings and a white-centred black eyespot on each wing. Below: similar to above, but forewing more extensive bands on inner margin of two eyespots. Hindwings without tails. Antennae clubbed. Wingspan up to 6 cm.

Biology

The butterflies are present from mid-summer to autumn and most abundant in February-March. The eggs require moist habitat as they are less resilient to drying out than similar butterfly species. The caterpillars feed at night on a range of soft grasses such as Kangaroo and Wallaby Grass.

Distribution

South-eastern mainland Australia and Tasmania.

Habitat

Forested mountains and their surrounding hills.

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