South China Bushbrown
Common NameSouth China Bushbrown
Scientific NameMycalesis zonata
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, yellow, white
HabitatForest undergrowth, shaded woodlands, grassy areas
Geographic RangeSouthern China (e.g., Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan), Vietnam, Laos
Host Plantsgrasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, year-round in tropical parts of its range
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs laid on host grasses, larvae feed on grass, pupates into a chrysalis, then emerges as an adult butterfly.
Identification TipsKey features for identification are the distinctive pattern and size of the ocelli (eyespots) on the underside of the wings, particularly the prominent yellow-ringed eyespots with white pupils, against a dark brown background.
Description
A medium-sized dark brown butterfly with a cryptic underside featuring prominent, ringed eyespots with white pupils, arranged in a distinctive pattern on both forewing and hindwing.
