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Common Wood-Nymph

Cercyonis pegala

The Common Wood-Nymph is a beautiful butterfly with soft brown wings and lovely eye spots. They flutter around in sunny spots and love to rest on flowers and leaves.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Common Wood-Nymph is a medium-sized butterfly, typically dull brown or tan with a distinctive dark eyespot, sometimes two, on each forewing. Its hindwings are plain, allowing it to blend seamlessly with dry leaves or bark. Its drab colors make it look like a dead leaf, helping it hide.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusCercyonis
Common Wood-Nymph
spotted trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Common Wood-Nymph

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adults usually only fly when the sun is shining, often hiding on cloudy or rainy days.

Their caterpillars spend winter tucked away, waiting for spring to munch on fresh grass!

Their wings are covered in thousands of tiny, colorful scales, like living mosaics!

Unlike many butterflies, they prefer walking through grass more than flying long distances.

Special abilities

Ability

Disguise Master

Common Wood-Nymph has drab, irregular wing patterns that help them blend perfectly with tree bark or dead leaves to hide from predators.

Ability

False Eyes

Common Wood-Nymph has large, round 'eyespots' on its wings that can startle or misdirect predators, giving them a chance to escape.

Ability

Nectar Sipper

Common Wood-Nymph can sip sweet nectar using its long, straw-like proboscis, which helps them refuel their energy quickly.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
45-65 mm
Size
20-30 mm
Lifespan
10-21 days
Flight Speed
12 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip sweet nectar from flowers, while their young caterpillars munch on fresh grasses.

Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) feed on various grasses, while adults drink nectar from flowers.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • Poa pratensis
  • Andropogon gerardi
  • Elymus repens

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are gentle creatures. It's best to watch them without touching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Common Wood-Nymph's wingspan?

45-65 mm

How big is Common Wood-Nymph?

20-30 mm

How long does Common Wood-Nymph live?

10-21 days

How fast can Common Wood-Nymph fly?

12 km/h

What does Common Wood-Nymph eat?

Adults sip sweet nectar from flowers, while their young caterpillars munch on fresh grasses.

Where is Common Wood-Nymph usually found?

Forests

How does Common Wood-Nymph hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Common Wood-Nymph have?

6

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