LITTLE WOOD SATYR, Megisto cymela

June

Photo by Pete Gilmore

At the woodland edge, near meadows and fields, look for the little wood satyr, which is a member of the brushfoot family of butterflies. Its brown wings span about one and a quarter inches, and each has two prominent eyespots with yellow rims. These butterflies do not obtain sustenance from the nectar of flowers. Instead they take water from puddles, sap from trees and honeydew from aphids. The caterpillars feed on grasses. As the satyrs of Greek mythology enjoyed dance and revelry, these woodland creatures cheer us along the trail.

More information

Nature of New England

Wikipedia

Butterflies and Moths of North America