Great Evening Brown
Common NameGreat Evening Brown
Scientific NameMelanitis zitenius
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, often near damp areas or streams
Geographic RangeSouth and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Indochina, parts of Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsOplismenus, Bambusa, various grasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae are typically green with a horned head capsule. Pupae are green or brown and suspended by the cremaster.
Identification TipsKey features include its remarkable dead-leaf camouflage when at rest, the irregular and jagged wing margins, and its crepuscular flight activity. The underside pattern with scattered small pale spots is also characteristic.
Description
A large, dark brown butterfly renowned for its exceptional dead-leaf mimicry, featuring irregular wing margins and a mottled brown underside with small, pale spots.
