Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala)

Distributed statewide in NC, this species is generally common in the eastern half of the state but more uncommon in the western half. There seems to be a single long brood and they can be found on the wing from May to October. Wood-Nymphs emerging later in the season show a light cream color in the forewing patch rather than the deep yellow if the early season individuals (either that or the color fades as the individuals age). Note, too, the impressive amount of variation in the eyespot size & pattern found in the underhindwings!


Tyrrell Co., NC 21 June 2003	same individual


Watauga Co., NC 22 July 2006	Harnett Co., NC 3 Sep 2006


Orange Co., NC 21 Aug 2004	same individual


Chatham Co., NC 26 Sep 2004	Chatham Co., NC 24 Sep 2005


Orange Co., NC 2 Aug 2005

A different subspecies (Cercyonis pegala nephele or possibly Cercyonis pegala alope)
St Clair Co., MI
8 July 2003

	The same or different subspecies from above? Allegan Co., MI 5 July 2004


#0528 Dry mixed pine woods A few miles north of Quincy, Plumas Co., CA 15 July 2007	#0533 Dry mixed pine woods A few miles north of Quincy, Plumas Co., CA 15 July 2007

#0536
Dry mixed pine woods
A few miles north of Quincy, Plumas Co., CA
15 July 2007

This butterfly and the two above are from the same area.

#0665
Edge of large bog/marsh near pine woods
A few miles north of Quincy, Plumas Co., CA
15 July 2007

This butterfly was found just up the road from the 3 above, but along the edge of the dry woods/wet bog habitat. Originally, Bill Bouton and I thought these were Cercyonis sthenele, but after looking closely at the pictures, we weren't sure. Ken Davenport suggested Cercyonis pegala ariane with the caveat that it would be nice to have gotten looks at the dorsal surface to be sure.

For comparison: Great Basin Wood-Nymph (C. sthenele) | Small Wood-Nymph (C. oetus)

North Carolina Butterflies | North American Butterflies | Jeff's Nature Page

Created on ... June 24, 2003 | Updated on ... Sep 5, 2007 | jspippen@duke.edu