New Jersey Butterfly Club

Common Wood-Nymph

Cercyonis pegala

Identification: Medium—2.3” (larger than Cabbage White). Above: FW and HW dark brown, FW with large yellow patch in the outer portion surrounding two eyespots. HW has variable number of small eyespots. Seldom seen with wings open. Below: FW and HW brown to gray-brown with very fine dark striations, and a variable number of small, variably-sized eyespots on HW. Dorsal FW pattern of 2 large, dark eyespots in yellow patch is visible below. Some individuals lack yellow patches both above and below.

NJ Status and Distribution: Resident. Widespread and fairly common throughout.

Habitat: Open, sunny, upland fields and wet meadows. Generally prefers dung, carrion, and overripe fruit to flowers.

Flight Period: One brood, from mid-June to late September. Extreme dates: North Jersey 6/11—9/27; South Jersey 5/18—10/6.

Caterpillar Food Plants: Various grasses, including Purpletop (Tridens flavus).

Overwintering Stage: Caterpillar.

Good Locations: Fields and wood edges anywhere.

Comments: Individuals with dark, instead of yellow, forewing patches are sometimes seen in the northern counties.