Northern Pearly-eye (Enodia anthedon)

Description: A medium sized brown butterfly with submarginal rows of bold spots and moderately scalloped wing margins. The spots on the upperside are dark brown to black with pale haloes. The spots on the underside are black with silver centers and yellowish-brown margins. The spot on the leading edge of the hindwing below is very prominent. It is similar to the Eyed Brown, however that species is smaller, with smaller spots and the wing margins less scalloped. Wingspan: 43 to 53 mm.

Maritime Distribution: Widespread in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and southern Nova Scotia. For Atlas results click here.

Provincial Ranks: NB: S5. NS: S4. PEI: S4S5.

Flight Period: Late June to early August.

Host Plant: A variety of woodland grasses including Bearded Short-husk (Brachyelytrum erectum) and Purple Oat (Schizachne purpurascens).

Notes: This is a species of the forest understory. It is usually found along woodland trails and near the grassy edges of deciduous forests where it flies in the deep shade. It is unusual in that it regularly flies on overcast days and even in the rain. It will even occasionally fly after dark. The Northern Pearly Eye is frequently seen perched on tree trunks, and it is often present at tree scars. The species is common in suitable locations in New Brunswick but much harder to find in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.