Description:
Above, this species is a brown butterfly with some lighter regions in the forewing and with fairly large brown circles surrounded by a lighter ring. Below, the wings are brownish tan with two dark, bold bands through both wings nearer the body, and the wings seem more scalloped than from above. The eyespots below are more detailed than from above, with the brown center surrounded by a yellow, a brown, and then a white ring. In addition, each of the hind wing eyespots have a small white dot in the center.
Habitat:
Woodlands, woodland edges, and along streams.
Overwintering Strategy:
Mid-stage Caterpillars
Flight:
One brood. This species may be found from late June to late August, but is most common in July.
Caterpillar Host Plants:
Various native grasses including White grass (Leersia virginica), Bearded shorthusk (Brachyelytrum erectum), and Bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix or hystrix patula)
Notes:
The Northern Pearly-eye is a woodland species that is rarely found in open areas. It has a swift, erratic flight that often ends with it perched, head down, aside a sunlit tree
Overwintering Strategy
Two-way migration: Adult migrates from Wisconsin to Central Mexico
Small migration: Adult migrates from Wisconsin to southern US
Immigrant: Adult migrates into Wisconsin from warmer areas and don't fly south in winter
Adult Butterfly: Hibernates overwinter as an adult butterfly
Eggs: Eggs laid on stems, twigs or foot plants overwinter in diapause
Caterpillar: Caterpillars make nests on the base of plants and hibernate until spring
Chrysalis: Caterpillars shed their last skin, form a chrysalis and enter diapause.
For more information, read: Where Do Butterflies Go In Winter?
Further Information:
Design A Butterfly Garden
Take The Butterfly Quiz
Monarch Life Cycle
Butterflies and Moths of North America
WisconsinButterflies.org
Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Assn (NABA)
The Butterfly Site
