Rather than open meadows, which butterflies often prefer, the Northern Pearly Eye, Enodia anthedon, choses to flutter about in the woods, whether shady or with sun filtering through.
Fluttering by, feeling the need to rest, he’ll land upside-down to view his world.
His caterpillar hosts are various species of grasses, grasses which are happy living on the forest floor.
As an adult he dines on dung, mud, fungi, rotting fruit, carrion, and sap from willows, poplars, and birch.
A clever little guy, with an average wingspan of a bit more than 2 inches, this butterfly knows just where to land as I stalk him with my camera. He checks out the available landing spots and if it’s available he’ll chose a patch of poison ivy, just out of reach, as a safe haven.
I don’t think I’ve seen these yet. But I’ll be on the look out. Beautiful pics Brenda!
Thanks LaVonne! Happy butterfly hunting!
Oh, I will have to look for this little guy in our woods. He is quite handsome! I’m seeing a great assortment of butterflies this year in spite of our weather. It feels like fall here this morning but I won’t be fooled. Interesting diet, this one.
Yep Kathy, I am feeling autumn in the air as well. As I type this at 9:20AM it is 59º. Wow!
This fellow is subtle. He wouldn’t win any prizes if brilliant colors were called for but with subtlety, often comes beauty. I hope you’re able to find one. Being in the woods is a great help to find him.
As for his diet, I guess one has a far different mindset if one is a butterfly! 🙂