Common Wood Nymph

This large, dark butterfly is easily recognized by a yellow-orange patch with eyespots near the outer margin of the upper wing. Abundant between late June and September, this butterfly makes its home in open areas in and around deciduous woodlands, moist grassy areas and damp meadows.

Common wood nymphs are weak flyers and often found close to or on the ground. They feed on rotting fruit and can occasionally be seen nectaring on ironweeds, fleabane and sunflowers.

Pale yellow eggs are laid haphazardly on or near a variety of grasses, many of which serve as host plants for this species.