Gemmed Satyr (Cyllopsis gemma [Hübner])
Wing span: 1 3/8 - 1 11/16 inches (3.5 - 4.3 cm).
Identification: Wings are brown and lack eyespots. Underside of hindwing has a silvery patch at the outer margin which contains 4 black reflective spots.
Life history: Males patrol for receptive females. Eggs are laid on or near the host plant. Caterpillars feed at night and hide at the base of the plant during the day. Fourth-stage caterpillars hibernate.
Flight: Several broods all through the year in South Texas; three broods from April-September elsewhere.
Caterpillar hosts: Probably Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon).
Adult food: Not reported.
Habitat: Near open, wet woodland; grassy areas near water; near streams and ponds.
Range: Southeastern United States: the Atlantic Coast from Maryland south to central peninsular Florida; west to southeast Kansas, central Oklahoma, central Texas, and northeastern Mexico.
Conservation: Not usually required.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management needs: None reported.
References:
Opler, P. A. and G. O. Krizek. 1984. Butterflies east of the Great Plains. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore. 294 pages, 54 color plates. Opler, P. A. and V. Malikul. 1992. A field guide to eastern butterflies. Peterson field guide #4. Houghton-Mifflin Co., Boston. 396 pages, 48 color plates. Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press, Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann
State and Regional References:
Opler, P.A. 1998. A field guide to eastern butterflies, revised format. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. Shull, E.M. 1987. The Butterflies of Indiana. Indiana Academy of Science. Indiana Univ. Press. Bloomington & Indianapolis, IN. 262 pp.