Cyril's Brown
Common NameCyril's Brown
Scientific NameHeteronympha cyrillus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown
HabitatOpen eucalypt forests, woodlands, grassy areas
Geographic RangeSoutheastern Australia (Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia)
Host PlantsPoa species, various grasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodOctober to April
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on or near host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses and pupate in a chrysalis suspended from vegetation or debris near the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its unique pattern of large, irregular orange-yellow blotches on a dark background, and the presence of small, often indistinct, black eyespots on the hindwings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown to black wings heavily marked with irregular, bright orange-yellow patches across both forewings and hindwings, and small black ocelli.
