Western Hillside Brown
Common NameWestern Hillside Brown
Scientific NameCercyonis sthenele
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, grey, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, chaparral, grasslands, hillsides
Geographic RangeWestern North America (California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona)
Host Plantsvarious grasses
Flight PeriodJune to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses and overwinter as partially grown caterpillars, completing development and pupating in the spring. Typically one brood per year.
Identification TipsKey features for identification are the reddish-orange band on the hindwing underside and the single large black eyespot within it, which typically has two white pupils. The overall dull brown and grey coloration is also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a cryptic brown and grey underside, featuring a prominent reddish-orange band on the hindwing that contains a large black eyespot with two white pupils.
