Possesses a relatively diminutive morphology with a wingspan ranging between 20 and 25 millimeters, showing subtle but diagnostic sexual dimorphism. The dorsal surface of the wings in males displays an intense, iridescent metallic blue or violet coloration covering most of the wing area, whereas females present a much duller, brownish-gray dorsal surface. The ventral side of both wings is a uniform ash-gray or pale brown, traversed by a distinctive reddish-orange postdiscal line lined externally with white. On the anal angle of the hindwings, there are two prominent black eyespots with orange borders, accompanied by thin, hair-like tails that mimic antennae—a structural adaptation typical of theclines.

Geographical distribution: Occurs widely across the southern temperate and subtropical regions of South America. Its presence is thoroughly documented in northeastern and central Argentina (reaching as far south as Buenos Aires and Entre Ríos provinces), throughout Uruguay, southern Paraguay, and the southern and southeastern states of Brazil (such as Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná).

Habitat: Primarily frequents transitional ecosystems, gallery forest edges, scrublands, humid grasslands, and clearings within temperate and subtropical forests. Due to its remarkable ecological adaptability, it easily colonizes anthropized landscapes, being exceptionally common in urban gardens, city parks, orchards, and disturbed rural areas with abundant herbaceous cover.

Feeding: As an adult, this insect is predominantly nectarivorous, visiting a wide array of wild flowers, with a clear preference for species within the Asteraceae family (such as Baccharis and Eupatorium species). The larvae, conversely, exhibit unusual feeding habits for lepidopterans, primarily consuming decomposing organic matter, leaf litter on the forest floor, or senescent plant tissues, effectively acting as detritivores.

Behavior: Characterized by a low, swift, and erratic flight pattern, generally staying within a meter of the ground. Males exhibit territorial behavior, perching on sunlit leaves to patrol their territory and intercept females or drive away rivals. A key anti-predator adaptation occurs when resting: the butterfly continuously rubs its hindwings together vertically, moving the hair-like tails to simulate a false head, tricking birds and spiders into attacking non-vital wing edges.

Reproduction: The life cycle begins after mating, when the female deposits her tiny, dome-shaped eggs singly on decaying leaf litter, organic debris, or near the base of host plants. Upon hatching, the larvae emerge as onisciform (woodlouse-like) caterpillars, flattened and covered in fine hairs. These caterpillars often engage in facultative myrmecophilous relationships with local ants, which protect them from predators in exchange for sugary honeydew secretions. Pupation occurs in the leaf litter, where the mottled brown chrysalis remains well camouflaged until the adult emerges.

Conservation status: Has not been globally evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Regionally, however, it is considered secure and highly abundant, as its populations thrive in fragmented habitats and human-modified green spaces that offer continuous nectar and larval feeding resources.