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Chinese Bush Brown (Mycalesis gotama)

 

Chinese Bush Brown Butterfly

The Chinese Bush Brown is a species of butterfly belonging to the ‘satyrine’ group characterized by their typical brown coloration. Their varying shades of brown typically resemble the dead leaves found in the forests they occur and help them largely in camouflaging. Hence, they are somewhat difficult to be identified.

Scientific Classification


  • Family: Nymphalidae
  • Genus: Mycalesis
  • Scientific Name: Mycalesis gotama

Description and Identification

Caterpillar

Chinese Bush Brown Butterfly Larvae
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The mature larva is greenish or brownish in coloration having thin dorsal and lateral stripes. They are nocturnal in nature.

Pupa

Chinese Bush Brown Butterfly Chrysalis
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The chrysalis is pale green to light brown in color and hangs from under the leaves, stalks or stems of the host plants.

Adult Butterfly

Sexual Dimorphism: Not present

Color and Appearance:When the wings are open, they display a brown coloration characterized by a series of conspicuous eyespots. When the wings are closed, they display a similar color along with a single straight median line across the underside of both wings.

Chinese Bush Brown
Mycalesis Gotama

Average wingspan: 45-60 mm

Flight pattern: Fly infrequently keeping low to the ground

Eggs

Pale white in color, laid on the host plant leaves

Quick Facts

Distribution East and north-east India, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, West Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, south China, Taiwan, and Japan
Habitat Primarily in the rainforest and deciduous forest, mostly in small glades and along logging roads
Host plants Bambusa, and various grasses like Miscanthus, Setaria, Isachne, and Oryza
Adult diet Flower nectar

Did You Know?

The head (face) of the caterpillar is often described to be resembling the face of the fictional cartoon character ‘Hello Kitty’.

Chinese Bush Brown Butterfly Images
Chinese Bushbrown
Chinese Bush Brown Butterflies

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