Dark Branded Bushbrown (Mycalesis mineus)

Mycalesis mineus (dark branded bushbrown) is a medium-sized butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia. It is typically brown with eye-like spots (ocelli) on the wings, which serve to deter predators. Males have a distinctive dark brand on the forewings, while females are usually paler. Preferring shady habitats such as forest edges, undergrowth, and grassy areas, it is active during the monsoon season and often flies close to the ground. The larvae feed on grasses (Poaceae), making this butterfly an integral part of grassland and forest ecosystems.