Cercyonis Pegala, Common Wood Nymph

Day 311: The Common Wood Nymph (Cercyonis pegala) is also referred to as the Large Wood Nymph to distinguish it from the Lesser. Go figure. It's anothe one of those nightmarish examples of multiple common names which result in so much confusion. That said, the Wood Nymphs are a confusing species because they are genetically unstable, which is to say that there is quite a bit of variation in outward appearance in any local population. Today I witnessed what might well have been two different "brands" of butterfly mating, i.e., a rosy dark individual and a much lighter one with smaller ocelli (eye spots).

The Wood Nymphs are aptly named. They prefer to perch on bark or soil which matches their coloration, or in hollows in the grass where shadows are deepest. A common sight in woodland areas, my yard is full of these dusky beauties.