Junonia coenia

The Common Buckeye has large, realistic eyespots that can startle predators when the wings open suddenly.
Photo Credit: John Brandauer via flickr
Junonia coenia
Common Name: common buckeye
Animal Guild: Insect
Class > Order > Family: Insecta > Lepidoptera > Nymphalidae
What does the species look like?

This species appears intricately decorated with orange-red bars, and purple-tinged eyespots on a tawny background. The underside of the wings is generally tan, but variants arise during cooler weather that are more reddish.

Caterpillars are black, white and orange with spiky black projections on the body and an orange head capsule.

Total adult length: 1.3 to 1.6 inches (33.02 – 40.64 mm).
Where is the species found?
States & Provinces
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI, WV
Distribution

This species occurs across most of the United States.

Common Buckeyes prefer open country and middle elevations throughout the region, and are rarely found at high altitudes.
General Phenology and Life History

Several broods appear in the spring through fall. Adult males are highly territorial in canyons and on dirt roads. Adults take nectar from a variety of flowers such as monkey-flowers and seep willow. Host plants are members of the snapdragon and plantain families.

Tan individuals have been noted to be more mobile than reddish variants.
Which phenophases should I observe?
Do you see/hear...?
Activity Adults
One or more adults are seen or heard moving about or at rest.
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Adults feeding
One or more adults are seen feeding with their straw-like tongue (proboscis). If possible, record the substance and species on which they are feeding (for example, nectar, sap, dung, or moist soil) in the comments field. For Junonia coenia, adults feed on the flower nectar of many different plant species.

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Flower visitation
One or more individuals are seen visiting flowers or flying from flower to flower. If possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field.

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Migrating adults
Multiple adults of the same species are seen flying steadily in a uniform direction without stopping.
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Reproduction Mating
A male and female are seen coupled in a mating position, usually end to end. This can occur at rest or in flight.

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Egg laying
A female is seen laying eggs on a plant or other surface. If possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field. For Junonia coenia, eggs may be deposited on the leaves or buds of a wide variety of herbaceous plant species.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Eggs
One or more eggs are seen on a plant or other surface. If possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field. For Junonia coenia, the tiny, dome-shaped, green eggs have raised white ribs and may be found on the leaves or buds of a wide variety of herbaceous plant species.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Development Caterpillars
One or more caterpillars (larvae) are seen moving about or at rest. When seen on a plant, if possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field. For Junonia coenia, young caterpillars are dark in color and covered with black spines. Older caterpillars are black with cream spots, orange legs and head, and bluish-black, branched spines.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Caterpillars feeding
One or more caterpillars are seen feeding. If possible, record the name of the species or substance being eaten or describe it in the comments field. For Junonia coenia, caterpillars feed on many different herbaceous plant species.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Pupae
One or more pupae are seen in a cocoon or shell (puparium). For Junonia coenia, pupae are mottled brown and cream and hang from plants or other outdoor surfaces. Do not include empty pupal shells after the adult has emerged from them.

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Dead adults
One or more dead adults are seen.

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Dead caterpillars
One or more dead caterpillars are seen.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Method Individuals at a feeding station
One or more individuals are seen visiting a feeder, feeding station, or food placed by a person.

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Individuals in a net
One or more individuals are seen caught in a net.

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Individuals in a trap
One or more individuals are seen caught in a trap.

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What do these phenophases look like?

There is currently no photoguide available for this species. If you'd like help us create one, use the guidance document and species template provided here. Then send it via email to education@usanpn.org when it is complete.