Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Megisto cymela (Cramer)
Orig. Comb: Papilio cymela Cramer 1777
Identification
Adult: Upperside, has yellow-rimmed eyespots on each wing (usually two on each wing); on underside, forewing has at least two spots that are much larger than the other spots (which may be deformed or missing), and hindwing has at least two large dark eyespots and several smaller spots. Eyes are black, even in life.
Larva: body light greenish-brown with dark dorsal stripe and alternating brown and yellowish lateral stripes; surface covered with small bumps, each bearing a short reddish-brown hair; head dirty white, and "tails" light gray
Carolina Satyr - Hermeuptychia sosybius is not found north of New Jersey and southern Ohio; its upperside has no eyespots, and underside of forewing usually has one spot slightly larger than the other spots (not two or more large spots, as in Little Wood Satyr). Eyes are gray when still alive.
Red Satyr - Megisto rubricata is mostly found further west, but might be found flying with M. cymela in Kansas, Oklahoma, and especially in Texas. It typically has only one large eyespot on each wing above, a distinct reddish cast, and only one enlarged eyespot on lower side of front wing.
Habitat
near woods or shrubby areas
Food
larvae feed on grasses, including
Orchardgrass (
Dactylis glomerata),
Kentucky Bluegrass (
Poa pratensis), and
Centipede Grass (
Eremochloa ophiuroides)
adults occasionally feed on sap or on flower nectar, but are usually seen resting on leaves
Life Cycle
one generation per year in Canada; two or three farther south; eggs are laid singly on grass blades; overwinters as a fourth-instar larva