About Trapezites phigalia (Hewitson, 1868)
Trapezites phigalia (Hewitson, 1868) adult individuals are brown on their upper wing surfaces and brownish-grey on their lower wing surfaces, with yellow or orange markings on the wings, and an approximate wingspan of 30 mm (1.2 in). When viewed from above, each forewing has a black central area that holds three yellow spots, a median yellow spot near the dorsum, and a subapical band of three pale spots. Each hindwing viewed from above has a broad yellow-orange central band. When viewed from below, the forewings have a central black patch and the same markings seen from above, while the hindwings are dotted with 10 irregularly shaped brown circular markings. Adult males and females look similar, though the yellow spots on the wings are larger on females. Eggs of this species are dome-shaped and cream-colored, with an approximate diameter of 1.2 mm (0.047 in) and around 21 longitudinal ribs. Larvae are pinkish-grey with a roughly textured dark brown head, and can reach up to 28 mm (1.1 in) in length, with final size dependent on instar. Pupae are brown, covered in a waxy grey powder, and measure approximately 19 mm (0.75 in) in length. For behaviour and life cycle: adult Trapezites phigalia fly quickly and close to the ground, and readily feed at flowers. Adult males practice hilltopping and establish territories within one meter of the ground. Adult females lay their eggs singly on the undersides of leaves of the species' host plants, which include several mat-rush species: Lomandra densiflora, Lomandra fibrata, Lomandra filiformis, Lomandra glauca, Lomandra nana, and Lomandra obliqua. After hatching, larvae build a vertical shelter from silk and debris at the base of the host plant. They rest in this shelter during the day and emerge to feed at night. Larvae overwinter inside their larval shelters. Pupation may take place inside the larval shelter, or in a curled dead leaf near the base of the host plant. There is one generation per year, with adults emerging primarily in October and November.
