Green Nature

Common Wood Nymph

picture of a common wood nymph butterfly

The Common Wood Nymph (Cercyonis pegala) is perhaps the most widespread of all the Satyrinae species, found throughout most of the United States, with the exception of areas in the Southwest.

The extended range means the physical look of the butterfly often varies from place to place.

Generally it can be characterized as a brown, medium sized butterfly. Eyespots running up and down both wigns are visible when the wings are folded.

The caterpillars feed on a variety of grasses, partially explaining the Common Wood Nymph's extended range.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels