Lillacine Bushbrown

Characteristics

A red-eyed butterfly with a black eye-like pattern on a brown background. The outline of the eyeball is beige, the so-called "iris" is dark brown, and the center of the eyeball has a bright dot. There are 5 eyeball patterns on the surface, 1 large, 1 small, and 1 very small on the forewing, and 2 small on the hindwing (one wing). On the underside, there are one large and one small on the forewing, one large on the hindwing, four small and two separate medium wings, a total of nine (one wing). See photos for details.A whitish band runs vertically on the reverse side, and eyeball patterns line up outside of this band.

Ecology

Inhabits forests from lowlands to mountains. Fly low and perch on the ground or fallen leaves to rest. Adults do not suck much nectar, but suck the juice of fallen fruits. It occurs about twice from around May and can be seen until around autumn. Overwinter as larvae in winter. Larvae feed on grasses such as pampas grass.

Habitat

It was taken in a forest in Minamiasagawacho, Hachioji city. While fluttering near the ground in the dark forest, it would rest occasionally on fallen leaves. The color of the wings resembles fallen leaves, but the eyeball pattern catches the eye, making it relatively easy to spot even when the wings are closed. I have the impression that they gather in trees with sap or on damp ground rather than in flowers.