Lepidoptera Gallery
Butterflies
Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery
: Butterflies
Junonia coenia (Buckeye)
The Buckeye is named for its flamboyant coloration and large spots. The wingspan is from 2 to 2.5 inches. The coloring is light brown. Each forewing has two orange bars at the front edge of the wing, a wide white band from the front edge to the back, on which a large eyespot is found. Each hindwing has two smaller eyespots just in from a light orange band.
This species lives in open areas of low vegetation, such as prairies, meadows, pastures, and roadsides. It is a migrant species that breeds in Illinois from May to September. It is more common some years than others. April adults feed on nectar and lay their eggs on plantain, toadflax, loosestrife, snapdragons, and other related flowers. There are several generations per year.
Collection of the Illinois State Museum
Photographed by Dr. Everett Cashatt
Accession #:
Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery
: Butterflies
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