Common Wood-Nymph
Cercyonis pegala (Fabricius, 1775)
Family: Nymphalidae (formerly Satyridae)
Status: Locally common resident
NENHP Ranking: Not listed
Range: This species inhabits most of the United States and southern Canada with the exception of southern portions of California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. It is found statewide in Nebraska.
Larval Hostplant(s): Various grasses including members of the following genera: Andropogon, Tridens, Avena, Stipa, and Poa.
Broods/Flight Times: There is one flight which peaks in late June/early July. Nebraska records range from June 10 – September 19.
Overwintering: As unfed caterpillars.
Habitat: Adults are residents of prairies, open woodlands and woodland margins.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 3/4 – 3 inches
Found at:
Similar Species: Mead’s and Small Wood Nymphs
Notes: Common Wood-Nymphs are somewhat variable both in size and appearance in the state. Southern specimens tend to exhibit more yellow coloration surrounding the eyespots on the forewing.
Common Wood-Nymph, Table Rock SWMA, Jonathan Nikkila
