| DESCRIPTION |
 |
Also known as
the "Peacock Butterfly", this butterfly can be identified by its large
multicolored
eyespots on
the
fore- and
hindwings. Adults perch with wings
outstreteched. Males may patrol a "territory," flying out to investigate
the large insect that pass by. The Buckeye can be found in lots and roadsides
throughout the state. They fly from spring until fall, when they are most
abundant. In warmer areas they can be found year-round.
Adult wingspan is from 3.5-5.5 cm, brown. Forewings bear a peacocklike
eyespot.
Hindwings have one large and one small eyespot.
Each forewings also bears
a pair of basal orange
bars and
broad white
blotch on the front that partially encircles the forewing eyespot.
Ventrally, wings appear much the same markings, except that the eyespots
are greatly reduced. Larva are black, with areas of violet iridescence,
longitudinal stripes of pale yellow on either side, and short, branching
spines. Eggs are roundish, wider than they are high, dark green, and ribbed.
Pupae are brown.