Duffys Forest, Sydney
Australia

IUCN: Listed on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as 'Least Concern'

Image Story:


An early spring morning, fresh and chilly, with the early sun catching sparking dew hanging in the grass.


I notice a Common Brown settled on an Agave and I am taken by the shapes this plant is presenting when I get down to the level of this butterfly.


The Common Brown stays put and is reluctant to move - not warm enough yet. Just as well for me.


This butterfly is in most parts of Australia and is active in spring and summer when there is plenty of sunlight and food.


Mating occurs during October and November and the male dies shortly after.

The female lives a few months longer to lay its eggs when the heat of summer has passed and there is plenty of grass.


They lay their eggs onto several different species of grass (native and introduced) to ensure the best chance of a plentiful food supply when the larvae emerge.


This species is thriving.