Common Tree Brown or Lethe rohria neelgheriensis

Common Tree Brown, or Lethe rohria neelgheriensis is a butterfly found mostly in hillsides of Kerala. Occurring from low elevations to about 3000m in north – west Himalayas and 1700 m in the northeast, these butterflies are common both in jungles and in fairly open countrysides.

Upper side of the adult Common Tree Brown is brown coloured. In females, apex of the forewings is a bit darker. In males, forewings have a broad white costal spot, two apical spots and two outer black spots. The hind wings with ocelli on the underside visible as faint black and brown spots. Wingspan is 58 – 70 mm.

The wings of Common Tree Brown are weak and it never flies far even when disturbed. They are attracted to animal dung, overripe fruits and sugary tree sap.