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 from a sunlit tree. The Northern Pearly-eye is covered in a shimmering grey-brown, and the topside of this butterfly’s wings is decorated with a simple mahogany brown ribbing and bordered by a series of round eye-like spots. The antenna club is black with an orange tip, distinguishing it from the Southern Pearly-eye.

 

“Northern Pearly-eye” by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, licensed under (CC BY 2.0)

 

Northern Pearly-eye Facts

Butterfly Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Satyrinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 3/4 – 2 5/8 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Damp deciduous woods, usually near marshes or waterways; mixed or grassy woodlands

 

Northern Pearly-eye Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Various types of grass
• White Grass
• Bearded Shorthusk
• Plume Grass
• River Oats
• Bottlebrush

Nectar Plants:

• Fungi
• Willow Tree Sap
• Poplar Tree Sap
• Birch Tree Sap