Forest Brown, upper. Photo: Mononymous/iNaturalist
Forest Brown, lower. Photo: Lynda Wilson
Scientific Name: Argynnina cyrila
Family of Butterflies: Nymphalidae (Browns and Nymphs)
Other Common Names: Cyril’s Brown
Wingspan: 35mm.
Local Records: All local records of this species in our region are from the Lyonville area to the south ref: iNaturalist. Prior to 2017 there was a single local record, but reports of this species have increased since then.
Distribution outside our region: In Victoria most records are from the Yarra Valley and nearby ranges.
There are other records from the Grampians and the far south-west, Lerderderg-Wombat Forests and the
far east. Outside Victoria records are mainly from the ACT and south-east NSW but this species is found as far north as Brisbane.
Larval Host Plants: Grasses, in particular, Poa spp. and Wiregrass, Tetrarrhena juncacea.
Larval association with ants: None
Adult Flight Times in Victoria: Most records are from October-November with a few records as late as
January.
Conservation Status:
- The Action plan for Australian Butterflies: No Conservation Significance
- Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 – Threatened List 2021: Not Listed
Other Notes: In our region this species is only likely to be seen in the higher and wetter southern areas.
References:
Atlas of Living Australia – Argynnina cyrila, Cyril’s Brown.
iNaturalist Australia – Observations · iNaturalist Australia.
Braby, Michael F., Second edition 2016. The Complete Field Guide to Butterflies of Australia. CSIRO Publishing.
Field, Ross P., 2013. Butterflies: Identification and Life History. Museum Victoria.