Common Wood Nymph
Common NameCommon Wood Nymph
Scientific NameCercyonis pegala
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patterneyespot
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, meadows, fields, prairies, forest edges
Geographic RangeNorth America, from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast and Mexico
Host Plantsvarious grasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodJune to October
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses and overwinter as partially grown caterpillars. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for its characteristic dull brown coloration, the single large black eyespot (sometimes two smaller ones) on the forewing, and its distinctive erratic, bouncing flight pattern in grassy areas.
Description
A medium-sized, dull brown butterfly with a prominent black eyespot, often with a white pupil, on each forewing. The underside is typically mottled brown and gray, providing camouflage.
