Junonia coenia
Size:
Wingspan is
1 3/4 - 2 1/4 inches.
Similar Species:
None in the region.
Habitat:
Open fields, disturbed areas, roadsides, lawns and sandy places.
Range/Abundance:
Common and widespread.
Flight Period:
Adults fly from mid March until mid December in three broods with gaps
between broods.
Larval Host Plants:
Gerardias Gerardia, English Plantain Plantago lanceolata,
Common Plantain P. rugelii, Toadflax Linaria vulgaris
Comments:
Common Buckeyes can be very abundant in open areas with short grass.
This species can be quite variable in coloration from brood to brood.
Seems at times you can never find two that are exactly alike. At right
are just a few of the variable ones I have found. The buckeye at right
on Mountain Mint is somewhat typical.
The top photo was taken in Durham Co., NC on August 18, 2002. The second photo was taken in Orange Co., NC on August 09, 2002. The second rollover image was taken in Orange Co., NC on October 20, 2002. The third photo is the same buckeye as the second rollover image. The third rollover photo and fourth photo were taken in Durham Co., NC on August 18, 2002. The fifth photo of mated buckeyes was taken in Caswell Co., NC on August 3, 2002. The sixth photo was taken in Durham Co., NC on November 02, 2003. The bottom photo was taken in Orange Co., NC on October 19, 2003.
Mated pair the female on left male on right.
