Ringed Xenica (Geitoneura acantha)
Appearance: Upperside orange with brown markings and one dark eyespot on each wing. Underside with characteristic pattern; two large eyespots on the hind wing and one on the forewing.
Wingspan: 3.8–4.5 cm
Season: 1 generation from late spring until early autumn.
Range: South-eastern Australia; south-eastern SA, VIC, ACT, eastern NSW, and south-eastern QLD.
Habitat: Forest and woodland with grassy understorey.
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Notes
Throughout south-eastern Australia the Ringed Xenica is a common species in open forests and woodland with a grassy understorey. It can be easily identified by the unique pattern on the underside of the wings. The butterflies often rest on the ground with their wings usually closed. As with many species in the genus Geitoneura, they are very alert and not easy to approach, in particular on sunny and warm days.
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