Little Wood Satyr
ExploreInsects
Little Wood Satyr
Megisto cymela
The Little Wood Satyr is a small butterfly that loves to flutter around in the woods. With its brown wings and beautiful patterns, it can be hard to spot, but it's always a delightful surprise when you do!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Little Wood Satyr is a small to medium-sized butterfly, typically dull brown or grayish-brown, often with two prominent black eyespots ringed in yellow on each hindwing. Its forewings also feature smaller, less distinct eyespots. The mottled undersides help it blend seamlessly with tree bark and dried leaves.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusEuptychia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Its caterpillar is nocturnal, munching grass blades under the cover of darkness!
Males release special scents from their wings to find a mate!
These butterflies are one of the very first to flutter in early spring!
They often bask in sunlit patches within shady woodlands!
Special abilities
Ability
Natural Camouflage
Little Wood Satyr can disappear by matching its wings to tree bark and leaves, which helps them hide from hungry birds.
Ability
Deceptive Eyespots
Little Wood Satyr has fake 'eyespots' on its wings that trick predators into aiming at non-vital body parts.
Ability
Erratic Evasion Flight
Little Wood Satyr can fly with a bouncy, erratic pattern, which helps them evade predators among the trees and dense undergrowth.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 38-50 mm
- Size
- 12-18 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 10 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip tree sap and nectar; young munch on various grasses.
Age differences: Caterpillars consume a variety of grasses, while adult butterflies primarily feed on tree sap, nectar, and sometimes rotting fruit.
Primary Foods
- tree sap
- flower nectar
- rotting fruit
- various grasses (larvae)
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Eastern Bluebird
Sialia sialis
Adults are a food source for many insectivorous birds.
eats
Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis
Caterpillars feed on leaves of this and other grasses.
pollinates
Dogbane
Apocynum cannabinum
Adults visit flowers for nectar, aiding in plant reproduction.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch butterflies, as they are delicate and need to be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Little Wood Satyr's wingspan?
38-50 mm
How big is Little Wood Satyr?
12-18 mm
How long does Little Wood Satyr live?
7-14 days
How fast can Little Wood Satyr fly?
10 km/h
What does Little Wood Satyr eat?
Adults sip tree sap and nectar; young munch on various grasses.
Where is Little Wood Satyr usually found?
Forests
How does Little Wood Satyr hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Little Wood Satyr have?
6
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