description Common Buckeye Overview
The Common Buckeye (*Junonia coenia*) is a butterfly species belonging to the Nymphalidae family, native to North America. It is distinguished by its mostly brown wings adorned with prominent, multi-colored eyespots and bright orange bands. These butterflies are typically found in open, sunny environments such as fields, pastures, and coastal dunes. The adults rely on nectar from various flowering plants, while their caterpillars primarily feed on snapdragons and plantains.
help Common Buckeye FAQ
What is the scientific name of the Common Buckeye?
The Common Buckeye is Junonia coenia, a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. Its brown wings are marked by large target-like eyespots and orange bars.
Why does the Common Buckeye have eyespots?
The large eyespots can startle predators or redirect attacks away from the butterfly's body. The pattern is especially noticeable on the forewings and hindwings when an adult opens its wings.
What plants do Common Buckeye caterpillars eat?
Caterpillars feed on plants including plantains such as Plantago, snapdragons and toadflax in the snapdragon family, and Ruellia. Adults instead visit flowers for nectar, including asters and other composite flowers.
Where can Common Buckeye butterflies be found?
Junonia coenia is resident across the southern United States and much of Mexico, and it can migrate north into the United States and southern Canada. In Florida, the species has been recorded in all 67 counties.
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