Northern Pearly-Eye
Common NameNorthern Pearly-Eye
Scientific NameEnodia anthedon
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patterneyespot
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, dark brown, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges, moist areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to the Great Plains
Host PlantsBrachyelytrum erectum, Elymus virginicus, Leersia virginica, various woodland grasses
Flight PeriodMay to October (two broods)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae are green with two short 'tails' and a horned head capsule, overwintering as larvae. Pupation occurs in a chrysalis.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the lack of a distinct dark line or band on the underside of the hindwing, unlike the Southern Pearly-Eye. The underside is mottled brown with a jagged postmedian line and prominent, often large, eyespots.
Description
A medium-sized, dull brown butterfly with a distinctive series of prominent, ringed eyespots on the underside of both forewings and hindwings, often with white pupils. The upper side is plainer brown.
