Chinese Bush Brown (Mycalesis gotama)
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
The mature larva is greenish or brownish in coloration having thin dorsal and lateral stripes. They are nocturnal in nature.
Pupa
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.
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 |
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| 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’.
Scientific Classification
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Genus: Mycalesis
- Scientific Name: Mycalesis gotama
