Junonia coenia, the common buckeye, is a species of butterfly in the family
Nymphalidae. It is found as a resident or vagrant across much of North and Central America, as well as parts of northern South America, and likely originated from African ancestors that later diversified in Asia. The species typically inhabits open, sunny terrains such as fields, dunes and scrub, up to 1,300 meters (4,300
ft) in elevation.
J. coenia adults are mostly brown with prominent black eyespots, while the caterpillars are spiny with complex color patterns. The caterpillars feed on plants rich in iridoid
glycosides, such as
Plantago lanceolata, which also influence female
oviposition, while adults prefer nectar from yellow flowers. Some individuals migrate seasonally, and the species faces threats from predators, parasites, and a specific
densovirus. This common buckeye butterfly was photographed in
Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis, United States.
Photograph credit: Rhododendrites
.svg){kind=small}
.jpg)
