Great Basin Wood-Nymph
Common NameGreat Basin Wood-Nymph
Scientific NameCercyonis sthenele
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, black, yellow
HabitatDry grasslands, sagebrush scrub, open woodlands, canyons
Geographic RangeWestern North America, primarily the Great Basin region (e.g., Nevada, Utah, eastern California, Oregon, Idaho)
Host Plantsvarious grasses
Flight PeriodJune to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses and typically overwinter as partially grown caterpillars before pupating in a chrysalis.
Identification TipsLook for the drab, striated gray-brown wings and the distinctive large, yellow-ringed black eyespot on the forewing. The number and size of hindwing eyespots can vary, but they are typically present.
Description
This butterfly has mottled gray-brown wings with a cryptic pattern. A prominent black eyespot ringed with yellow is visible on the forewing, and several smaller black eyespots with white pupils adorn the hindwing.
