There are 12-15 species of Pierella ranging from Mexico to Brazil .The wing shape is similar to the Cithaerias but brown with colour on the hindwings . The males have androconial tuft on the innder margin of the hindwing near the tornus.

The host plants are in the Heliconiaceae and Marantaceae. The adults feed on rotting fruit and decomposing fungi .

They are elusive butterflies who hide in the undergrowth , and are recognisable by the distinctive wing shape and cryptic underside pattern with delicate brown lines.. Many species have a bluish tinge to the hindwings, whilst others are golden or red.

Pierella helvina

Pierella hortona

Pierella hyceta

Hyceta is easily recognised by the lovely golden colour to the hind wings and 4 brown post median spots. It can only be confused with P.luna lesbia , which has a much reduced gold area and only 2 spots, or P nereis , but that has a prominent white band across both wings.

Pierella lena

Pierella lucia

Pierella luna lesbia