Dark Brand Bushbrown

Description:

Nymphalidae; Satyrinae; Mycalesis mineus Linnaeus, 1758. At his time of year, in the Philippines, the rainy season is just getting underway and some species of butterfly, depending on when they eclosed from pupation, will still be in their "Dry Season Form", whereas others will already be displaying their more beautiful "Wet Season Form". This can sometimes cause a little obfuscation. So, we have to be careful with identifications (especilly the Satyrinae - the Browns), but I am reasonably confident that this one is M. mineus in its classic look - "Wet Season". When I see one, I have to remember to take a photo or two because I sometimes become almost mesmerised by their beauty. It is hard to explain why these butterflies are so appealing. They do not demand our attention like some of the over-colourful "Painted Ladies" or "Jezebels" of the Pieridae. They just look wonderful.

Habitat:

This Dark Brand Bushbrown was spotted in our backyard on Hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus) locally called Bataw. Plant identification - http://www.stuartxchange.org/Bataw