ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Butterflies and Skippers - Little Wood-satyr

 Little Wood-satyr


Photo by Richard Day/Daybreak Imagery
 		 This satyr flies mainly in late spring, but individuals can be found into late August. It flies with a bouncing erratic pattern usually low to the ground. Unlike other satyrs it often flies high up into trees and rests high up on a leaf blade. This butterfly only sparingly takes nectar at flowers.
 

Little Wood-satyr
Megisto cymela

At-a-Glance

• Flight Period: May and June

• Wings: 1.6 - 1.9 inches 
 
Description
This satyr is dull brown in color. Each wing has two black eyespots with yellow rims.

Habitat and Habits
The little wood-satyr inhabits woods, woodland edges, and nearby fields. It can be found in all regions of Ohio, but is most common in the forested southern regions of the state.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Females, when ready to lay eggs, are more likely to nectar than males. The larval hosts of this butterfly are various grasses.