Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2022 7:48 pm
Here is another "dandy" of a species which I have spoken
of in the past. The Buckeye butterfly is really quite unique
for its eyespots and variable appearance.
This species is found statewide here (Illinois) and is best
found in rural locales outside of cities and suburbs. Sometimes,
a long stretch of railway track or neglected ramparts also provide
a visitor a glimpse of this little marvel.
It is one of our "transient" species -- in that it cannot survive the cold
temperatures of an Illinois winter. So, it migrates to areas of the
U.S. further south in the fall. Come springtime, it works its way
northward eventually re-populating the region and having several broods.
This very energetic, charismatic butterfly is always something that
I treasure finding. Surprisingly, most that I encounter are left alone
due to chippage or general wear but, hit-it "just right" and it's game on !
Below, I show a recently collected pair for your viewing pleasure.
As, you can see the wing structure and angles differ between the sexes
and females are usually larger with more pronounced eyespots.
This is a very desirable species to make a series of if possible as so
much variation of colors/markings exist within the species. Its natures
little artist's palette.
of in the past. The Buckeye butterfly is really quite unique
for its eyespots and variable appearance.
This species is found statewide here (Illinois) and is best
found in rural locales outside of cities and suburbs. Sometimes,
a long stretch of railway track or neglected ramparts also provide
a visitor a glimpse of this little marvel.
It is one of our "transient" species -- in that it cannot survive the cold
temperatures of an Illinois winter. So, it migrates to areas of the
U.S. further south in the fall. Come springtime, it works its way
northward eventually re-populating the region and having several broods.
This very energetic, charismatic butterfly is always something that
I treasure finding. Surprisingly, most that I encounter are left alone
due to chippage or general wear but, hit-it "just right" and it's game on !
Below, I show a recently collected pair for your viewing pleasure.
As, you can see the wing structure and angles differ between the sexes
and females are usually larger with more pronounced eyespots.
This is a very desirable species to make a series of if possible as so
much variation of colors/markings exist within the species. Its natures
little artist's palette.