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Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala)

You may feel that eerie sensation that someone is watching you when you’re in the presence of a Common Wood-Nymph. This butterfly blends naturally into tree bark and other woody bushes, but is readily identifiable by the eye-like spots on the wings. Two yellow ringed eyes with gold pupils in the center mark the top half of the right and left wings. Often, one more eye spot is found on the bottom half of both wings. Both male and female Wood-Nymphs have spotted brown wings, but the female will often have larger eye spots and a lighter shade of brown on the wings. Although not nearly as flashy as other varieties of butterflies, the Common Wood-Nymph is surprisingly lovely and delightful in flight.

Family: Brush-footed Butterfly (Nymphalidae)

Subfamily: Satyrs and Wood-Nymph (Satyrinae)

Average Wingspan: 2" - 3"

Habitat: Open areas, prairies, meadows, grassy area

Plants That Attract This Butterfly

• Nectar Plants (What is this?)
  Overripe Fruit*, Tree Sap*
  
• Host Plants (What is this?)
  Purple Top Grass*, Kentucky Bluegrass

* May not be available for purchase at your local nursery.

Note: Always check a plant's Hardiness Zone to make sure it will grow in your area. (What Is My Hardiness Zone?)

Where To Buy Plants

Butterfly Flight Range Map

Photo Credits:
Closed wing - Fred Miller