Common Wood-Nymph
July 2022
The Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala) is our only dark brown Satyr species in New Jersey and has a bold yellow-white band on the forewing containing 1 or 2 eyespots that are usually black with blue at the center. The hindwing is highly variable but has 4 to 6 smaller spots as well. There is fine striping in shades of brown on the ventral side, and some individuals lack the yellow patch on the forewing completely.
August 2020
This is also our largest NJ Satyr species, so if you see a large dark brown and yellow butterfly in a wooded area it is very likely a Common Wood-Nymph!!
August 2020
This might be the least cooperative of the Satyr species in New Jersey as they very often make short flights between hidden areas - at the center of open meadows or in shady brush. I’ve only seen them perch in the open a few times and I’ve yet to observe one with wings fully open.
August 2020
July 2018
July 2018
July 2018
July 2020
