Mead’s Wood-Nymph
Cercyonis meadii (W. H. Edwards, 1872)
Family: Nymphalidae (formerly Satyridae)
Status: Rare, possibly extirpated resident.
NENHP Ranking: S1 Tier 2
Range: Mead’s Wood-Nymph is found in disjointed populations from eastern Montana and the western Dakotas south through Arizona and New Mexico. In Nebraska it has been found in the western portions of the panhandle.
Larval Hostplant(s): Various grasses, with Blue Gramma (Bouteloua gracilis) mentioned as the most likely hostplant.
Broods/Flight Times: There is one late summer flight, with all Nebraska records coming in August.
Overwintering: As unfed or partially grown caterpillar.
Habitat: Marrone (2002) reports this species inhabits dry, open pine forests in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 3/8 – 1 3/4 inches
Found at: Gilbert-Baker SWMA, Sowbelly Canyon
Similar Species: Small and Common Wood Nymphs
Notes: The last Nebraska record is from Sowbelly Canyon (Sioux County) in 1993 by James Scott.
Mead’s Wood Nymph, Catron Co. NM, Steve Cary
