Appalachian brown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Appalachian brown |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: |
Satyrodes
|
| Species: |
S. appalachia
|
| Binomial name | |
| Satyrodes appalachia (R.L. Chermock, 1947)
|
|
| Subspecies | |
|
S. a. leeuwi (Gatrelle & Arbogast, 1974) |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Appalachian brown is a type of butterfly found in North America. It is also known as the woods eyed brown. Its scientific name is Satyrodes appalachia. This butterfly belongs to a group called Satyrinae, which are often called "satyrs" or "browns". They are known for their earthy colors and eye-like spots on their wings.
Contents
About the Appalachian Brown Butterfly
The Appalachian brown butterfly is a medium-sized insect. Its wingspan usually ranges from 39 to 51 millimeters. That's about 1.5 to 2 inches wide. These butterflies have a brownish color. They often have small, dark spots that look like eyes on their wings. These spots help them blend in with their surroundings. They also might scare away predators.
Where Does It Live?
This butterfly is native to North America. It prefers to live in damp, wooded areas. You might find them near swamps, bogs, or wet forests. They like places where their favorite plants grow. These habitats provide the right conditions for them to live and reproduce.
What Do Young Butterflies Eat?
Like all butterflies, the Appalachian brown starts its life as a larva, or caterpillar. These caterpillars have specific plants they like to eat. They feed on certain types of sedges and grasses. Some of their favorite foods include Rhynchospora inundata, Carex lacustris, and Carex stricta. These plants are important for the caterpillars to grow big and strong. After eating enough, the caterpillar will turn into a pupa. Then, it will transform into an adult butterfly.
Similar Butterflies
Sometimes, it can be tricky to tell the Appalachian brown apart from other butterflies. There are a few species that look quite similar. Here are some of them:
- Satyrodes eurydice: This butterfly is often called the eyed brown. It looks very much like the Appalachian brown. They both have similar patterns and colors.
- Enodia anthedon / Lethe anthedon: This butterfly is known as the northern pearly-eye. It also has a brownish appearance and can be confused with the Appalachian brown.
Scientists study these differences carefully. They look at small details in their wing patterns and body shapes. This helps them identify each unique species.
See Also
- Lethe (butterfly)
- List of butterflies of North America
