Ridings' Satyr
Common NameRidings' Satyr
Scientific NameNeominois ridingsii
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorstan, brown, cream
HabitatDry grasslands, prairies, sagebrush steppe, open pine forests
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from southern Canada through the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains states of the US
Host Plantsgrama grass (Bouteloua spp.), bluegrass (Poa spp.)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses and overwinter as partially grown caterpillars, pupating in the spring.
Identification TipsLook for its cryptic tan and brown coloration with a distinct row of eyespots on both wings, often accompanied by a zigzag postmedian line. Its low, erratic flight in dry, open grasslands is also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with mottled tan and brown wings, featuring a series of prominent, dark-centered eyespots ringed with cream on both forewings and hindwings.
