Klug's Xenica
Common NameKlug's Xenica
Scientific NameGeitoneura klugii
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, grasslands, heathlands, gardens, often near damp areas.
Geographic RangeSoutheastern Australia (Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania).
Host PlantsPoa, Themeda, Microlaena, various grasses
Flight PeriodOctober to April (spring to autumn), multiple broods.
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae are green with darker stripes, feeding on grasses. Pupation occurs on or near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive orange and dark brown marbled pattern and prominent black eyespots with white pupils on both forewings and hindwings. The underside pattern is similar but often paler.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with orange-brown wings heavily marked with dark brown or black patterns and prominent black eyespots with white pupils on both forewings and hindwings.
