Common Evening Brown
Common NameCommon Evening Brown
Scientific NameMelanitis leda
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patterneyespot
Primary Colorsbrown, tan
HabitatOpen forests, forest edges, grasslands, shrublands, gardens
Geographic RangeTropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, and Australia
Host Plantsrice, sugarcane, bamboo, various grasses
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, seasonal in others
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae are green with a bifid head. Pupae are green or brown, suspended head down.
Identification TipsLook for the overall brown, dead-leaf mimicry on the underside, coupled with distinct, ringed eyespots. Seasonal forms vary in wing shape and eyespot prominence.
Description
A medium-sized brown butterfly with a cryptic underside resembling a dead leaf, featuring several prominent eyespots, especially on the hindwing.
