Southern Pearly-eye
Common NameSouthern Pearly-eye
Scientific NameEnodia portlandia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patterneyespot
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, orange
HabitatMoist deciduous woodlands, swamps, river bottoms, canebrakes, forest edges
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, from southern New Jersey to Florida, west to eastern Texas and Oklahoma, and north to southern Illinois
Host PlantsArundinaria, various grasses
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses, often overwintering as a larva. Pupation occurs in a chrysalis.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the distinctive row of pearly-white centered, dark-ringed eyespots on the underside of both wings, set against a mottled brown and grey background. The eyespots often have a metallic sheen.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with mottled brown, grey, and lavender-grey undersides, featuring a series of prominent, dark eyespots ringed with orange or yellow on both forewings and hindwings.
