Photo of Northern Pearly-eye Butterfly

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Northern Pearly-eye (Enodia anthedon)

The brown wings of the Northern Pearly-Eye are not plain and muted; in fact they are actually quite lustrous and picturesque. Covered in a shimmering grey brown, the topside of this butterfly’s wings are decorated with a simple mahogany brown ribbing and bordered by a series of round eye-like spots. In caterpillar form, you will see a green body with what looks like reddish tipped pincers coming out of both ends. The eye-like markings on the wings make this butterfly easy to identify. A yellow center surrounded by a thick ring of black, then a thin ring of yellow outlined with a thin ring of mahogany brown creates the illusion of an eye. You will spend many hours taking pleasure watching the wings of this butterfly watching you.

Family: Brush-footed Butterfly (Nymphalidae)

Subfamily: Satyrs and Wood-Nymph (Satyrinae)

Average Wingspan: 1 3/4" - 2 1/2"

Habitat: Woodlands

Plants That Attract This Butterfly

* 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

Northern Pearly-eye Flight Range Map

Photo Credits:
Closed wing - Fred Miller

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