Western Xenica
Common NameWestern Xenica
Scientific NameGeitoneura klugii
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, grasslands, heathlands, often near watercourses
Geographic RangeSoutheastern Australia (Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania)
Host PlantsPoa, Themeda, Microlaena, Pennisetum
Flight PeriodSeptember to April (Southern Hemisphere spring to autumn)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae are green with darker stripes, feeding on grasses. Pupation occurs on or near the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its orange-brown color, dark markings, and the characteristic arrangement of eyespots, particularly the large, prominent ocellus on the forewing. The underside often shows similar patterns but can be more cryptic.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with orange-brown wings marked with dark brown bands and prominent black eyespots, often with white pupils, on both forewings and hindwings.
