Description
A medium sized satyr with a wingspan of 50-60 mm. The female is lighter colored than the male. On the upperside of the forewing, the female has a yellow band across the subapical area that is absent in the male. The Tamil Tree Brown can be distinguished from all other similar species by the eye-spots on the underside of the hind wing - two of the six eye-spots are large and similar in size and shape, the others are flattened and reduced, and have no pupils. 

Similar species
Ceylon Tree Brown and Common Tree Brown.

Status, distribution and habitat
A butterfly of the bamboo forests of the wet zone between sea level and 7000 feet elevation. The disappearance of the bamboo forests at the lower elevations has had a significant impact on the abundance of this butterfly. However, it is not uncommon at the higher elevations. It is the commonest species of Lethe in the island.

Habits
Very similar to the Ceylon Tree Brown. However, it ventures out into open spaces much more frequently, and is the first to arrive at bait. It simply cannot resist fermenting sap or rotting fruit. While flying, it could be mistaken for the Common Evening Brown at the lower elevations.

Early stages
The larva feeds on Bamboo.

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Danaidae | Satyridae | Amathusiidae | Nymphalidae | Acraeidea | Libytheidae | Riodinidae | Lycaenidae | Pieridae | Papilionidae | Hesperidae