Mead's Wood-Nymph

Class: Hexapoda (animals with six legs - includes all insects)
    lepido = scale and ptera = wings (singular is pteron)
    The wings are covered with small scales.
Order: Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths)
Family: Nymphalidae (brushfoot butterflies)
Subfamily: Satyrinae (satyrs and wood-nymphs)
Species: Cercyonis meadii
Common Name: Mead's Wood-Nymph
Date : 2001 June 30
Place: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Frijole Ranch (seen in various places throughout the summer)

This butterfly was quite common along the wooded sections of the trails, often in the shady parts. It often perches on the ground and keeps its wings closed at rest. The underside of the front wing has a reddish area but this is barely noticeable unless this wing is elevated, which seemed to be only for a short period after landing. The Red Satyr is a similar, but smaller butterfly, found in the same areas.

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Note: This is a personal web site and is not affiliated with the National Park Service or Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Contact information for the author, Ron Lyons, is accessible through the Index Page referenced below. Thank you.