Brown Grass Jewel
Common NameBrown Grass Jewel
Scientific NameFreyeria putli
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, black, orange
HabitatGrasslands, open fields, scrubland, forest clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeAfrica, Asia (including India, Southeast Asia), and parts of Australia
Host PlantsIndigofera, Zornia, Crotalaria
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods from spring to autumn in temperate areas
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are small, slug-like, and often myrmecophilous, associating with ants. Pupation occurs on or near the host plant.
Identification TipsKey features include its minute size, the characteristic underside pattern of black spots, and the row of orange-ringed black spots on the hindwing margin. Often seen flying low among grasses.
Description
A very small butterfly with a dull brown upperside and a pale brown to grayish-white underside, marked with rows of black spots and a distinctive submarginal row of orange patches with black spots on the hindwing.
