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Common evening brown

Common evening brown

Melanitis leda

A species of Melanitis

The common evening brown (Melanitis leda) changes its appearance based on the season. During wet seasons, it has a pale brown underside and a dark brown top. Then, during dry seasons, it often has more distinguished bands or spots. It uses these neutral colors to help it blend into leaves and trees. It usually only flies during the evening, resting during daylight.

General Info About Common evening brown
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Attributes of Common evening brown
Colors
Black
Gray
White
Habitat
forest; plantation
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar from lantana, buddleja, ageratum, ixora, and jatropha
Larva Food Source
Grass species such as oryza (wild rice), paspalum, echinochloa colona (jungle rice), echinochloa crus-galli (barnyard millet), panicum maximum (guinea grass)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Common evening brown is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Common evening brown is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Common evening brown feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Common evening brown
They are found in Africa, South Asia and South-east Asia extending to parts of Australia.
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Distribution Area of Common evening brown
Africa, South Asia, parts of Australia
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Life Cycle of Common evening brown
Egg The embryonic stage of common evening brown begins as an egg. The egg is often laid on host plants and is small, spherical or ovular, and may vary in color. This stage is predominantly a resting phase for the developing insect, with external changes being minimal.
Larva Post-hatching, the larva of common evening brown emerges, primarily focused on feeding and growth. It lacks the wings of the adult and often features bright, warning colors or camouflage. Larvae periodically molt, shedding their exoskeleton to accommodate their increasing size.
Pupal During the pupal stage, common evening brown undergoes significant transformation within the chrysalis. This stage is immobile and appears inactive externally, but inside, the organs and body structure are being reorganized. The color and shape of the chrysalis may blend with the surroundings.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult common evening brown's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction. The coloration often serves as mate attraction or camouflage.
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Adult Size of Common evening brown
7 cm
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Predators of Common evening brown Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, various insectivorous mammals, ants, wasps, other insect predators
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Predators of Adult Common evening brown
Birds, bats, spiders, mantises, primates, predatory wasps
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Interesting Facts About Common evening brown
Common evening brown can alter its coloration to reflect thermal needs, darkening when it's cool to absorb heat and lightening in warmth to avoid overheating.
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Scientific Classification of Common evening brown
Tips for Finding Common evening brown
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Youth Habitat of Common evening brown
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Common evening brown
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas, Savannas, Tropical Rainforests
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How Can You Attract Common evening brown
Common evening brown can be attracted using bait traps with rotten fruits or sweet substances, as they are drawn to these for feeding.
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Habitat Preferences of Common evening brown Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of common evening brown are typically found on the underside of host plant leaves in shaded areas. The caterpillars prefer to reside on and consume the host plant leaves, often found camouflaged amongst green foliage. The pupae, commonly blending with their surroundings, can be found attached to stems or leaves of the host plants in similar environments. Adults are usually found in areas with dense vegetation like woodlands, often near the ground beneath the tree canopy. To locate them at various stages, search in dappled shade habitats where host plants are abundant and observe closely the lower foliage and understory for signs of their presence.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Common evening brown
The ideal time to find adult common evening brown is during warmer months when they are most active, particularly in the morning hours when they can be seen feeding on nectar, or late afternoon when they are looking for resting places.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Common evening brown
Common evening brown prefers warm, sunny, and dry conditions, as wet weather can be harmful to them and reduce their activity.
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How and Where Can You Find Common evening brown at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of common evening brown are typically laid on the underside of host plant leaves. Find them by carefully inspecting the leaves of known host plants in the residing habitat.
Larva Caterpillars of common evening brown are found on or near their host plants where they feed. Look for signs of feeding damage or frass (caterpillar droppings) on leaves to locate them.
Pupal Chrysalises of common evening brown are camouflaged and can be either on the ground amongst leaf litter or attached to the host plant or nearby structures. They can be found by thoroughly searching the possible pupation sites near where larvae feed.
Adult Adult common evening brown can be found nectaring on flowers, basking on sunlit surfaces, or resting in vegetation. Search in areas with abundant nectar sources during suitable weather conditions and times of day.
Are Common evening brown harmful?
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Usually, the common evening brown won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Common evening brown harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Common evening brown
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Pollination Behavior Reason
Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
Common evening brown visits various flowers for feeding on nectar. During the feeding process, they inadvertently collect and transfer pollen. These insects are often attracted to flowers by their bright colors and distinct shapes, supporting plant reproduction through unintentional pollination.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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