Common Brown
Common NameCommon Brown
Scientific NameHeteronympha merope
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, forests, grasslands, gardens, parks
Geographic RangeSoutheastern Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania)
Host Plantsvarious grasses (Poaceae family)
Flight PeriodOctober to April
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. Larvae are green or brown, feeding on grasses, and overwinter as larvae. Pupation occurs on grass stems or near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive orange-brown coloration with dark bands and prominent eyespots on both forewings and hindwings. Females are generally larger and often paler than males.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with predominantly orange-brown wings featuring irregular darker brown bands and prominent black eyespots, each with a white pupil, especially on the hindwings.
