Deciphering Butterflies: Wood Nymphs
These three Wood Nymphs have been found in the state, but two of them (Mead’s and Small) have not been found in the state for some time.
General Appearance – A variable medium to large species, ranging in size from 1 3/4 – 3 inches, generally dark brown but with some southern specimens exhibiting broad swatches of yellow across the forewing.
Range – Statewide.
Status – Locally common in prairie habitats from July into September.
Dorsal – Forewing has two large eyespots, sometimes surrounded by a yellow region.
Ventral – Similar to dorsal
Common Wood Nymph species page
General Appearance – A dark brown/burnt orange medium to large species, ranging in size from 1 3/4 – 3 inches.
Range – Restricted to the western-most counties.
Status – Rare, possibly extirpated, flying in late summer (August/September).
Dorsal – Forewing has two large eyespots, surrounded by a burnt orange region.
Ventral – Similar to dorsal
Mead’s Wood Nymph species page
General Appearance – Dark brown butterfly. At 1 1/4 – 1 3/4 inches it is considerably smaller than the Common Wood Nymph.
Range – Found in the most northwestern counties.
Status – Rare, possibly extirpated, flying in July.
Dorsal – Forewing has two large eyespots, and a darker “bar” extending from the base of the forewing toward the wingtip.
Ventral – Similar to dorsal but paler.
Small Wood Nymph species page
