Common Wood Nymph
Cercyonis pegala
Photo by Z. Bohemian from Pixabay
Summary
One common name for this medium-sized brown butterfly is ‘Goggle-Eye”, referring to the distinctive eyespots on the underside of its forewings. These are easily seen, as the wood nymph usually perches with wings closed. The eyespots can function to misdirect predators, leading them to take a bite from the wing–rather than the real head–of the butterfly. Grasses (Poaceae) are larval host plants, and while adults may visit flowers, they prefer tree sap and decaying fruit.
More Details
FAMILY
Nymphalidae (Brushfoots)
IDENTIFICATION
Wingspan: 1.5-2.75 inches. Dark brown with two large forewing eyespots.
HABITAT
Woodland margins, open fields, streamsides, and thickets.
LIFE CYCLE
Females lay their eggs in late summer. When alarmed, the caterpillar has a tendency to curl into a ball, a simple but effective defense strategy. Pupa lasts for two weeks, but can extend if the conditions aren’t favorable. Adult butterfly flight is low to ground and evasive when chased.
HOST PLANTS
Redtop (Tridens flavus), as well as other grasses.
Ecosystem Connections
The caterpillars are herbivores that graze on vegetation, and adults serve a role in pollination. All life stages provide food for predators. Because butterflies are so sensitive to toxins and disturbances in the environment, they are good indicators of the overall health of ecosystems.