Common Buckeye
Junonia coenia
The Common Buckeye is not a common butterfly in Wisconsin, but as an immigrant from farther south, it makes it to Wisconsin on a fairly regular basis and is always a pleasure to see. In an article about immigrant butterflies in Wisconsin from 1987 to 2001 in News of the Lepidopterists’ Society, Ann Swengel noted that she had seen this species in Wisconsin 13 of the 15 years, but only saw 210 individuals.

Weekly sightings for Common Buckeye
Identifying characteristics
Above, the Common Buckeye is a brownish butterfly with two orange bars near the leading edge of the forewing, a white band on the forewing, and large eyespots that make identifying this butterfly in Wisconsin very easy. Below, this species is much paler, especially on the hindwing, and sometimes the large eyespot is partially hidden. The orange and white bars are similar to the forewings above, but the eyespots on the hindwing are much reduced.
Similar species
None in Wisconsin.
Habitat
Open, dry fields, roadsides, trails, and waste areas.
Flight
This species may be double brooded in Wisconsin, especially when the immigrants arrive in the state in early May. I usually see this species in late June and early July, but the first image here was taken on August 29.
Abundance
Not an abundant butterfly in Wisconsin; you are unlikely to see more than a few individuals of this species in a day.
Early Common Buckeye Sightings
Date | County | Reported by |
---|---|---|
Apr 12, 2012 | La Crosse | Susan Stowers |
Apr 15, 2023 | Dane | Joan Braune and Tod Hi... |
Apr 16, 2017 | Sauk | Alex Harman |
Apr 17, 2012 | Dane | Ginny Nelson |
Apr 17, 2017 | Marquette | Dan Sonnenberg |
Locations



Buena Vista Marsh, Portage Co., WI. August 29, 1999.

Plainfield TriCounty School Forest, Waushara Co., WI. July 24, 1999.

Waumandee Creek Farm, Buffalo Co., WI. July 15, 2005.