Eyed Brown
Common NameEyed Brown
Scientific NameSatyrodes eurydice
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown, yellow
HabitatWet meadows, marshes, bogs, moist woodlands, stream banks
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host PlantsCarex, Scirpus, Rhynchospora
Flight PeriodLate May to September (one brood)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green with a yellow stripe and overwinter as a partially grown caterpillar. Pupation occurs in spring, often in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for its characteristic series of 3-5 prominent, yellow-ringed eyespots on the underside of the hindwings. Its preferred habitat of wet, marshy areas and its weak, bouncy flight close to the ground are also key identifiers.
Description
A medium-sized, dull brown butterfly with a series of prominent, dark brown eyespots ringed with yellow on the underside of its hindwings. The upper side is plain brown.
