Buckeye
(Junonia coenia)

This uncommon migrant was seen in the BFEC butterfly garden near the end of July. It was observed taking nectar from purple coneflower and cosmos (bright lights). Buckeyes have also been seen along the grass trails that lead to the pine plantation. They are most apt to be seen in open areas that have various species of plantain, which serves as the host plant for the larvae. They tend to fly low and can be very difficult to approach.

The butterfly on the left has a portion of the hindwing missing indicating a possible attack by a predator. Eyespots are thought to deter predators, but in the case of the animal on the right this did not prevent damage to the hindwing.