Creole Pearly-Eye Butterfly
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Scientific Name:
Lethe creola Native
- Licenses/Permits
Description
A small, brown and tan butterfly. Has single rows of dark spots on fore- and hindwings. Wingspan is approximately 2.5 inches. When identifying this butterfly, be sure to eliminate the other small, brown, spotted butterflies like the Hackberry Emperor, satyrs, and others.
Range and Habitat
Found in most of the southeastern United States, except Florida. Associated with moist forests and swamps, particularly with switch cane (its host plant).
Behavior
Flight season from late spring to early fall. Later brood over winters as caterpillars.
Population Status
Ranked globally as G3G4, ranked as S3 (rare and local) in Louisiana. Apparently secure in other parts of range but rare in Louisiana, possibly due to loss of forested wetlands.