Common Mangrove Buckeye
Common NameCommon Mangrove Buckeye
Scientific NameJunonia evarete
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black, blue
HabitatMangrove swamps, coastal wetlands, open disturbed areas, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern Florida, Caribbean, Central America, South America
Host PlantsBacopa monnieri, Ruellia caroliniensis, Plantago
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs laid singly on host plants, larvae are spiny caterpillars, pupates into a chrysalis, and emerges as an adult butterfly. Multiple broods occur annually in warm climates.
Identification TipsKey features include the two large, dark eyespots with blue centers on the forewings, and a series of smaller, similar eyespots on the hindwings, all set against a patterned background of brown and orange bands.
Description
This butterfly features a brown ground color adorned with prominent orange and black wavy bands, and distinctive large, dark eyespots ringed with orange and blue on both forewings and hindwings.
