Species Profile: Common Buckeye Butterfly

Common Name: Common Buckeye Butterfly
Scientific Name: Junonia coenia

Location: Common throughout Central Texas in open, sunny areas such as grasslands, roadsides, gardens, and disturbed sites. Prefers areas with low vegetation and sparse tree cover.

Mating Habits: Males perch in open areas to watch for females and may aggressively defend their territory. After mating, females lay eggs singly on host plants in the plantain and snapdragon families.

Seasonal Habits / Migratory Patterns: A migratory species that moves northward in spring and southward in fall. In Central Texas, populations may persist year-round with peaks in spring and fall.

Ecological Relevance: Larvae feed on plants like plantains (Plantago spp.) and toadflax (Linaria spp.), while adults are key pollinators of low-growing wildflowers. Their striking eye spots also serve as a defense against predators.

Interesting Facts:

• Recognized by its bold eyespots and orange bands on dark brown wings.

• One of the most commonly spotted butterflies in Texas due to its preference for disturbed and sunny areas.

• Caterpillars are spiny and often dark with orange spots.

Native Plant Associations: Feeds on nectar from native wildflowers including verbena, sunflowers, and mistflower.

Conservation Note: Providing open, sunny habitat and host plants like narrowleaf plantain can help maintain healthy populations of the Common Buckeye.