Satyrs and Wood-Nymphs (Satyrinae)

Satyrs and Wood-Nymphs (Satyrinae) Carolina Satyr Common Ringlet Common Wood Nymph Great Arctic Small Wood Nymph Butterfly Pictures

Satyrinae, a fairly large subfamily of brushfooted butterflies, commonly go by the name Satyrs and Wood-Nymphs.

The name may be a bit misleading because the group also includes butterflies with hyphenated names such as ringlet, arctic, alpine and pearly eye.

Satyrinae species are fairly easy to identify. Most are medium size with brown or dull color wings. Eye spots are typically prominent on the wings, especially when they are folded.

Worldwide, close to twenty five hundred species have been documented living in a variety of habitats from the tropics to the edges of the Arctic circle. The tendency of Satyrinae caterpillars to feed on types of grass partially explains their adaptability.

Approximately fifty different species, divided into fifteen different genera, can be found in the United States. Half of those species belong to either the Erebia genus, the Alpines, or the Oeneis genus, the Arctics.

Most species have a very limited range. The Common Wood Nymph, found along roadsides and forests, and in fields and meadows areas around the United States, would be an exception to the rule.

The links in the box point to a representative sample of Satryinae species from from the Pacific Northwest to the Southeast. Please click on a link to learn more.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels