Banks' Brown
Common NameBanks' Brown
Scientific NameHeteronympha banksii
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Primary Colorsbrown, yellow, orange, black
HabitatOpen forests, woodlands, grasslands, coastal areas, mountainous regions
Geographic RangeSoutheastern Australia (New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania)
Host PlantsPoa spp., Themeda spp., Microlaena spp.
Flight PeriodNovember to April
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae are typically green or brown, feeding at night, and pupate in a loose cocoon near the base of the host plant. There is one generation per year.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pattern of dark brown wings with bright yellow-orange patches and a series of prominent black eyespots on the hindwings, often with a small white pupil. The small white spot on the forewing is also a helpful identifier.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown wings featuring irregular, bright yellow-orange patches and prominent black eyespots ringed with yellow on the hindwings, along with a small white spot on the forewing.
