Southwest Red Satyr
Common NameSouthwest Red Satyr
Scientific NameNeominois reddi
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, orange, black, yellow
HabitatArid grasslands, rocky slopes, open pine-oak woodlands
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas) and northern Mexico
Host PlantsBouteloua curtipendula, Bouteloua gracilis
Flight PeriodMay to July
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses and typically overwinter as partially grown caterpillars, pupating in the spring.
Identification TipsKey features include the reddish-orange patch on the forewing underside, the distinct black eyespots with yellow rings on both wings, and its preference for arid, grassy habitats in the southwestern US.
Description
This medium-sized butterfly has a mottled grey-brown underside, providing excellent camouflage, with a prominent reddish-orange patch on the forewing and several distinct black eyespots ringed with yellow on both forewing and hindwing undersides.
