Rainforest Dancing Brown
Common NameRainforest Dancing Brown
Scientific NameManiola jurtina
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black, yellow
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open woodlands, hedgerows, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host Plantsvarious grasses (e.g., Poa, Festuca, Dactylis)
Flight PeriodJune to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. Larvae feed on various grasses and overwinter as small caterpillars. Pupation occurs low in vegetation, typically as a green chrysalis.
Identification TipsLook for the dull brown wings with a single large, black, white-pupilled eyespot surrounded by an orange patch on the forewing. The hindwings often show two small eyespots, particularly on the underside.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dull brown wings, featuring a prominent black eyespot ringed with yellow and an orange patch on the forewings, and smaller eyespots on the hindwings.
