Common Redeye
Common NameCommon Redeye
Scientific NameMatapa aria
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsbrown, red, pale yellow
HabitatForest edges, bamboo thickets, gardens, and open woodlands in tropical and subtropical regions.
Geographic RangeSouth Asia and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Host Plantsbamboo
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates, with peak activity varying by region.
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are green and feed primarily on bamboo leaves, often constructing shelters by rolling or tying leaves together. Pupation occurs within a silken cocoon, typically attached to a host plant leaf.
Identification TipsThe most distinctive and reliable identification feature for the Common Redeye is its vibrant, unmistakable red eyes, which contrast sharply with its otherwise plain brown body and wings. Its skipper morphology (robust body, hooked antennae) is also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized skipper butterfly characterized by its plain brown wings, robust body, and most notably, its striking bright red eyes. The hindwing often features a pale yellowish or whitish fringe.
