Persian Meadow Brown
Common NamePersian Meadow Brown
Scientific NameManiola telmessia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black
HabitatDry grasslands, meadows, open woodland, rocky slopes
Geographic RangeEastern Mediterranean region, including Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, and parts of the Caucasus.
Host Plantsvarious grasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. Larvae feed on grasses and typically overwinter as caterpillars before pupating near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the distinct black eyespot with a white pupil on the forewing, visible on both upper and underside. The overall brown and orange coloration and the mottled grey-brown hindwing underside are also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized brown butterfly with an orange patch on the forewing, prominently featuring a large black eyespot with a white pupil. The underside of the hindwing is a mottled greyish-brown with a few small, indistinct dark spots.
