Cithaerias pireta are found only in deeply shaded areas of rainforest.
   They are found at altitudes between sea level and 2000 m, and from Mexico to Bolivia. (There is some uncertainty regarding altitudes and geographical ranges.)
   Adults are almost always encountered singly.          They are creatures of the darkest and dampest areas of the rainforest, and appear to be very localised.
   They can occassionally be seen on wing in the middle of the day, but are far more more commonly seen at dusk than at any other time.
   They tend to remain deep in the undergrowth, but emerge at dusk to feed on rotting palm fruits on the forest floor, or on fluids from decomposing fungi.         They remain stationary for long periods, but are easily disturbed, and will retreat into the undergrowth. However they are habitual in behaviour, and often return within a few minutes.
   They fly low to the ground, cautiously and difficult to see..
   Their wing beats are deep and slow, but they are capable of moving rapidly if disturbed.
   Upon settling, they usually turn around and tilt slightly forward so that the false eye (oceilus) on the ventral side hindwing is raised.
   This ocellus, together with the bright pink area, and the oval shape of the hindwings, functions to simulate the head of a small snake, deterring birds, reptiles or amphibians that detect where they have settled.
   Their clear wings lack scales, revealing the transparent wing membranes, highlighted with iridescent bright pink on the hindwings and the false eye.
   They have a slow, bounding flight pattern.
   They rest often on the ground or low vegetation, but are easily disturbed and capable of moving very quickly to avoid predation