Appalachian Brown

Satyrodes appalachia

The Appalachian Brown mainly a wet woodland butterfly. It is not as common as the Eyed Brown, but it is to be expected throughout much of the state. Both of these species may be found in nearly the same areas, where large marshy areas border woodlands; the Eyed Brown would be expected in the open marsh, while the Appalachian Browns would be found in the woodland areas.

Identifying characteristics

From both above and below, this butterfly is mainly different shades of brown. Below, the postmedian lines on both the forewing and hindwing are smooth, as is the postbasal line. Below, the outer two eyespots are usually somewhat larger than the middle two.

Similar species

More than any other pair of butterflies in Wisconsin the Eyed Brown and this species are distinguished by comparison to the other. On the Eyed Brown, the postmedian lines on both the forewing and the hindwing are very jagged, not smooth as in the Appalachian Brown. In addition the postbasal line of the Eyed Brown is not straight and is crooked at the 2nd vein, whereas this line is straight in the Appalachian Brown. In general, the four eye spots on the forewing of the Eyed Brown below are nearly the same size, but the middle two eye spots of the of the Appalachian Brown are usually somewhat smaller than the outer two spots.

Habitat

Found in wet woodlands.

Flight

One brood, from mid-June through mid-August.

Abundance

This species is not as abundant as the Eyed Brown. In large marshes it is common to see well over 50 of the Eyed Brown but it is uncommon to see over ten of the Applaachian Brown in one day.

Late Appalachian Brown Sightings

Date	County	Reported by
Aug 22, 2014	Ozaukee	Jym Mooney
Aug 23, 2023	Door	Thomas Poklen
Aug 23, 2009	Iowa	Joan Braune and Tod Hi...
Aug 28, 2011	Eau Claire	Aaron Carlson
Sep 2, 2020	Milwaukee	Judith Huf

Locations