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Northern Pearly-eye

Lethe anthedon

The Northern Pearly-eye is a beautiful butterfly with big, round eyes on its wings. It loves to flutter around in sunny spots and can be found resting on tree trunks.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Northern Pearly-eye has dull brownish-orange wings, with males slightly darker than females. Its defining feature is a row of 3-4 prominent, black, white-ringed eyespots on each hindwing, resembling small pearls. These spots distinguish it from most other woodland butterflies.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusLethe
Northern Pearly-eye
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Northern Pearly-eye

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It loves to sip tree sap and juice from rotting fruit more than flower nectar!

Its caterpillar cleverly hides by rolling up the edges of grass blades.

Only found in North America, often seen fluttering through shady forests.

They are part of the "brush-footed" butterfly family, with tiny front legs!

Special abilities

Ability

Mimic Eyes

Northern Pearly-eye has bold eyespots on its wings that help them startle predators, making them hesitate and giving the butterfly time to escape.

Ability

Forest Cloak

Northern Pearly-eye can blend seamlessly into its woodland home because its dull brown wings perfectly mimic dead leaves or tree bark.

Ability

Erratic Flight

Northern Pearly-eye can fly with quick, unpredictable zig-zags that make it very difficult for birds and other predators to catch them mid-air.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
45-60 mm
Size
20-30 mm
Lifespan
7-21 days
Flight Speed
8-20 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip tree sap and nectar, while caterpillars munch on various leafy grasses.

Age differences: Caterpillars eat grasses, while adults primarily feed on tree sap and rotting fruit.

Primary Foods

  • tree sap
  • rotting fruit
  • flower nectar
  • Kentucky bluegrass
  • brome grass
  • sedge

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch butterflies from a distance and don't try to catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Northern Pearly-eye's wingspan?

45-60 mm

How big is Northern Pearly-eye?

20-30 mm

How long does Northern Pearly-eye live?

7-21 days

How fast can Northern Pearly-eye fly?

8-20 km/h

What does Northern Pearly-eye eat?

Adults sip tree sap and nectar, while caterpillars munch on various leafy grasses.

Where is Northern Pearly-eye usually found?

Forests

How does Northern Pearly-eye hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Northern Pearly-eye have?

6

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Where to spot

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