Eyed Brown (Satyrodes eurydice)

Resident Common Conservation Status Vermont S4 Global G4 North American Range Eastern North America from Nova Scotia south to Delaware and west to Saskatchewan and eastern Nebraska. Outlying populations in north-central Colorado, east-central Alberta, and northern Quebec.

Males fly weakly over and within low plant growth while patrolling for females and occasionally perch to court them. Eggs are scattered on many different plants. Larvae overwinter in third and fourth instars. Pupate in spring and emerge in June.

Identification

Upperside is light to medium brown with black eyespots. Underside of forewing has submarginal eyespots about the same size, usually touching or linked like a chain; dark line inside the hindwing’s spot row is zigzagged.

Flight

The Eyed Brown has one brood and can be seen on the wing from late May until the end of August. This butterfly can be locally common and is found in the greatest abundance from the end of June through the end of July. Extreme dates: 27 May 2005 in Grand Isle (D. Hoag) and 22 August 2003 in Shaftsbury (T. Armata).

Distribution and Habitat

Found throughout Vermont during VBS in open sedge meadows, freshwater marshes, and open areas along slow-moving streams. Larval hostplants are in the sedge family, including Tussock Sedge (Carex stricta) and Brome-like Sedge (Carex bromoides).

For more information visit eButterfly