As adults the Common Olivewing can visit flowers for nectar, but they are primarily seen enjoying other food sources, such as rotting fruit.
The origin of Nessaea is currently unknown. In Greek mythology, Aglaura was the daughter of Actaeus, king of Athens.
Found primarily in rain forests, they seem to congregate in the wettest parts of the forest. They often avoid areas that have been recently disturbed as a result of forest clearing.
Males perch on plant foliage waiting for receptive females to pass. After mating, females search for young plant shoots of the host plants to lay their eggs on. After hatching, the caterpillars feed on the host plants until they form their chrysalides.
There are multiple generations each year making it possible to find adults most of the year.
Most butterflies with the color blue on their wings are iridescent. The Common Olivewings are unique because the blue color found on their wings is a pigmented color.
