Insect Order (Lepidoptera)
LEPIDOPTERA
Order Lepidoptera encompasses both Butterflies and Moths with around 12,000 species found across North America. Interestingly, Moths make up the greater number of the two with fewer than 1,000 being Butterfly species. The Butterfly-like 'Skipper' is also part of the group but noted for their shorter, stockier bodies. Butterflies and Moths are a very common sight throughout the state of Tennessee throughout the summer months, Butterflies found during the day and Moths more likely to be encountered during the evening / night time hours.
Taxonomy
Other Names: "Goggle Eye Butterfly"
The Taxonomic Breakdown is the scientific way to categorize a partocular insect species from its largest group (Animalia) to its smallest (variable). The Genus and Species categorizations taken together make up the species' scientific name shown above, in this case Cercyonis pegala.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Genus: Cercyonis
Species: pegala
Characteristics
Antenna: Antenna are noticeably apparent on this insect.
Daytime: Typically seen during daylight / daytime hours.
Outdoors: Typically found across the great outdoors.
Winged: Has wings to hop or fly over distance.
Description
The Common Wood-nymph Butterfly is also known by these other names:
Goggle Eye Butterfly
The Common Wood-nymph Butterfly has been identified by site users by the following descriptors:
large   winged   wings   flying   agile   outdoors   daytime   summer   antenna   brown   tan   beige   yellow   eyes
Sighting Guide
The general likelihood of encountering this insect based on a given month of the year in the state of Tennessee. Generally, the best sighting months are June through August with peak occurring in July.
Size
Below is a representation of the 'smallest-small' and 'largest-large' sizes commonly associated with the Common Wood-nymph Butterfly. Due to monitor differences, sizes may not be exact on your particular screen. Conversions to millimeters are provided for convenience.
Lowest-Low:
1.77 inches
(45 mm)
Highest-High:
2.99 inches
(76 mm)
Identifying Colors
Below you will find the colors most commonly associated with the Common Wood-nymph Butterfly. Both Primary and Secondary colors are represented in the showcase. Due to monitor differences, colors may not be exact representations.
Tennessee County Reach
The Common Wood-nymph Butterfly can be found in the following Tennessee counties:
Anderson; Bedford; Benton; Bledsoe; Blount; Bradley; Campbell; Cannon; Carroll; Carter; Cheatham; Chester; Claiborne; Clay; Cocke; Coffee; Crockett; Cumberland; Davidson; De Kalb; Decatur; Dickson; Dyer; Fayette; Fentress; Franklin; Gibson; Giles; Grainger; Greene; Grundy; Hamblen; Hamilton; Hancock; Hardeman; Hardin; Hawkins; Haywood; Henderson; Henry; Hickman; Houston; Humphreys; Jackson; Jefferson; Johnson; Knox; Lake; Lauderdale; Lawrence; Lewis; Lincoln; Loudon; Macon; Madison; Marion; Marshall; Maury; McMinn; McNairy; Meigs; Monroe; Montgomery; Moore; Morgan; Obion; Overton; Perry; Pickett; Polk; Putnam; Rhea; Roane; Robertson; Rutherford; Scott; Sequatchie; Sevier; Shelby; Smith; Stewart; Sullivan; Sumner; Tipton; Trousdale; Unicoi; Union; Van Buren; Warren; Washington; Wayne; Weakley; White; Williamson; Wilson
Common Wood-nymph Butterfly Picture (1)
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Image of an adult Common Wood Nymph Butterfly at rest on a flower.; Credit: Tom V. of Washington state.
This image is original to
www.InsectIdentification.org; Used with Permission.