Oriental Meadow Brown
Common NameOriental Meadow Brown
Scientific NameHyponephele lycaon
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsorange, brown, grey
HabitatDry grasslands, steppe, open woodlands, rocky slopes
Geographic RangeCentral and Eastern Europe, across temperate Asia to Siberia, Mongolia, and China
Host PlantsFestuca, Poa, Bromus
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. Larvae feed on various grasses and typically overwinter as caterpillars before pupating near the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include the single, distinct black eyespot with a white pupil on the orange forewing patch, contrasting with the plain mottled grey-brown underside of the hindwing.
Description
A medium-sized brown butterfly with a prominent black eyespot on an orange patch on the underside of the forewing, and a mottled grey-brown hindwing.
