Echoes of Nature
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Matapa aria, FAMILY: Hesperiidae
Common Red eye
AKA: Red-eyed Skipper
LENGTH
WINGSPAN
WEIGHT
LIFESPAN
25 - 35 mm
40 - 55 mm
0.1 - 0.3 gms
2 - 4 weeks
Measured from the top of the head to the tip of the abdomen
Measured from one forewing tip to the other
Typical of butterfly species of this size.
Life cycle from egg to adult may take about 30-50 days depending on environmental conditions.
LENGTH
25 - 35 mm
Measured from the top of the head to the tip of the abdomen
WINGSPAN
40 - 55 mm
Measured from one forewing tip to the other
WEIGHT
0.1 - 0.3 gms
Typical of butterfly species of this size.
LIFESPAN
2 - 4 weeks
Life cycle from egg to adult may take about 30-50 days depending on environmental conditions.
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
It is widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and extends through Southeast Asia to southern China and parts of Indonesia.
Common Red eye geographic range map
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern on the IUCN Red List

IUCN RED LIST

Established in 1964, The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups, through criteria such as rate of decline, population size and area of geographic distribution as:

  • Extinct (EX) – This species is no longer extant
  • Extinct in the wild (EW) – Survives only in captivity, or through cultivation often outside native range
  • Critically endangered (CR) – In an extremely critical state
  • Endangered (EN) – Very high risk of extinction in the wild
  • Vulnerable (VU) – At high risk of unnatural (human-caused) extinction
  • Near Threatened (NT) – Close to being endangered in the near future
  • Least Concern (LC) – Widespread and abundant in the wild
  • Data Deficient (DD) – Inadequate information to assess extinction risk
  • Not Evaluated (NE) – Has not yet been assessed
GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The wings are rich reddish-brown to chestnut-brown with a glossy appearance. The most distinctive feature is the bright red eyes, which contrast sharply with the darker body and wings. The underside is slightly paler but similar in coloration.

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BEHAVIOUR

The Common Redeye is a fast-flying skipper that is most active during the early morning and late afternoon. It usually flies low among grasses, shrubs, and bamboo thickets. Adults frequently rest beneath leaves, often with wings partially open. The species is generally shy and difficult to approach.

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MIGRATION

The Common Redeye is a resident species and is not known to undertake long-distance migrations. Local seasonal movements may occur in response to rainfall, host plant availability, and habitat conditions.

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NESTING & MATING

Females lay eggs singly on the leaves of host plants, primarily various species of palms. Breeding occurs throughout the year in tropical regions, with peak activity often observed during and after the monsoon season.

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EVOLUTIONARY ADAPTATIONS

Its rapid flight helps evade predators and facilitates movement through dense vegetation. The red eyes may assist in species recognition during courtship. Caterpillars construct protective leaf shelters that provide defense against predators, parasites, and harsh weather.

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DIET & FEEDING BEHAVIOUR

Adults feed on nectar from a variety of flowering plants and occasionally visit damp patches for minerals. Caterpillars feed mainly on palms, including ornamental and wild species. Larvae construct shelters by folding and joining leaves with silk, where they rest and feed.

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HABITAT

The Common Redeye is commonly found in tropical forests, forest edges, bamboo groves, plantations, gardens, parks, wetlands, and urban green spaces. The species is closely associated with palm trees throughout its range.

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DO YOU KNOW?
DO YOU KNOW?
The Common Redeye is one of the most easily recognized skippers characterized by rapid, darting flight.
DO YOU KNOW?
EARTH CHALLENGE
What distinctive feature gives the Common Redeye its name?