ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Butterflies and Skippers - Common Buckeye

 Common Buckeye

The common buckeye is not a resident of Ohio, but is an immigrant. It first appears in late summer in southern Ohio and spreads northwards by fall. However, some years it is rare or absent from the state. A subspecies of the buckeye from the southern U.S. is famous for large-scale migrations. In Ohio, observers often report the common buckeye's progress northward, but a large migration of hundreds of adults does not occur.

Common Buckeye
Junonia coenia

At-a-Glance

• Flight Period: July to October

• Wings: 1.6 - 2.2 inches
Description
The common buckeye is tawny-brown to dark brown with two orange bars on the forewing, and an orange submarginal band on the hindwing. A white band diagonally crosses the forewing. The eyespots are black, yellow-rimmed, with iridescent blue centers.

Habitat and Habits
The common buckeye inhabits fields, roadsides, and gardens. It is found in all regions, but is most common in southern Ohio. This species is fond of mud puddles, rotten fruit, carrion, animal scat, and barren fields.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The larvae of the common buckeye feed on plantain, clovers, and a variety of other plants.