Steppe Grayling
Common NameSteppe Grayling
Scientific NameHipparchia autonoe
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, yellow, black
HabitatSteppes, dry grasslands, rocky slopes, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern Europe, Central Asia, Mongolia, China, Korea
Host Plantsvarious grasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on grass blades. Larvae feed on grasses and typically overwinter as caterpillars before pupating on the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark brown wings with a distinct yellowish band and prominent black eyespots on the forewings. The underside is often cryptically mottled brown and grey.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown wings featuring a broad, irregular yellowish band across both forewings and hindwings. The forewings display prominent black eyespots, usually with white pupils.
