Common Three-ring
Common NameCommon Three-ring
Scientific NameYpthima asterope
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatOpen grasslands, scrubland, forest edges, gardens, dry riverbeds
Geographic RangeAfrica, Arabian Peninsula, Middle East, India, Sri Lanka, parts of Southeast Asia
Host Plantsvarious grasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods in temperate areas
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. Larvae are typically green or brownish and feed on various grasses. Pupation occurs in a chrysalis suspended from a leaf or stem.
Identification TipsKey features include one large eyespot on the forewing underside and three prominent eyespots on the hindwing underside, often with a smaller fourth. The finely striated pattern on the underside is also characteristic.
Description
A small to medium-sized butterfly with cryptic greyish-brown wings, featuring prominent black eyespots ringed with pale yellow on the underside. The underside also has fine, wavy striations.
