Dark Buckeye
Common NameDark Buckeye
Scientific NameJunonia evarete
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black, blue
HabitatOpen areas, disturbed grounds, coastal regions, mangroves, forest edges, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern Florida, West Indies, Mexico, Central America, South America
Host PlantsAcanthaceae (e.g., Ruellia, Strobilanthes), Plantaginaceae, Verbenaceae
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny and feed on the host foliage. Pupation occurs in a chrysalis, often camouflaged to blend with its surroundings.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its darker brown ground color, prominent orange bars on the forewings, and large hindwing eyespots that frequently have iridescent blue centers, differentiating it from the Common Buckeye (*Junonia coenia*).
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown wings, featuring two prominent orange bars on the forewings and large, dark eyespots, particularly on the hindwings, which often display iridescent blue centers.
