Ocellation

In Pararge aegeria, increased dorsal hindwing ocellation (i.e., four spots) occurs in mid-summer (Parker, 1984; Shreeve, 1987).

This feature is the ocellation of the tail feathers of the male of the species, whose brilliant plumage earned its reputation since antiquity as the most beautiful of all birds.

All that is left of the omnidirectional ball of intense eyes is the dual colour of the ocellations and the brilliant pattern they make, a fascinating, silky fan.