Brown Crescent
Common NameBrown Crescent
Scientific NamePrecis archesia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange, yellow
HabitatOpen woodlands, savannas, grasslands, gardens
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa
Host PlantsAsystasia gangetica, Plectranthus, Platystachya, Hypoestes
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions, seasonal in others
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny, and pupae are typically green or brown, suspended head-down.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark brown ground color, prominent orange-brown markings, and the specific arrangement of small yellow spots, especially the wavy submarginal line on the hindwing. The underside can be highly cryptic, resembling a dead leaf.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown wings featuring extensive orange-brown patches and a series of small yellow spots on both forewings and hindwings. The hindwings display a distinctive wavy submarginal line.
