Junonia coenia (common buckeye)
Happy to see Junonia coenia (common buckeye) visiting pbmgarden today. These butterflies are reportedly common and widespread across the United States. Lavender color in the center of the eyespots is an indicator of freshness.
July 2015 marked the first time I noticed this type of butterfly in my garden. Another appeared in August 2016; none were recorded in 2017.
Junonia coenia (common buckeye)
Common buckeyes nectar on a variety of flowers and frequent open, sunny habitats. This one was resting in grass immediately after a rainfall. I filmed it for nearly a minute. The yoga teacher in me wanted to calm and regulate the uneven pattern of opening and closing the wings.
pbmGarden 
It’s very pretty. And obliging too, as it stayed still for so long to be filmed! I have never seen it here, so perhaps we don’t have them.
I tried to get one closer shot but the butterfly was startled.
A beautiful creature. Nature is so amazing.
Agreed, something exciting in nature at every turn.
Yoga for moths & butterflies…now there’s a new concept!
Well, you’ve possibly heard of goat yoga with little baby goats. Butterflies would be more appealing to me.
Such regal beauty. I don’t think we have these in New England, wish we did!
I was surprised to read these are common across the US Eliza. They seem pretty rare here. Hope you had views of other splendid butterflies this year.
An average year, though not as many fritillaries. Many more Monarchs than in recent years, which is heartening.
That is good.
They are incredible, aren’t they! You got some awesome photos! I’m always excited when I come across them during hikes. 🙂
They are incredible. I’ve spotted multiple ones again today so very exciting.
Wonderful photo! If its range includes SoCal, I’ve never seen it. Butterflies in general are fewer here this year I’m sorry to say.
Sorry to hear you’re seeing fewer butterflies. I’ve seen more than usual and more different types this year. Monarchs are around too now although I’ve yet to have my camera at the right moment.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen one either. What a beauty.
Amazing to think that pattern and those colors are all just hidden in some kind of genetic code, and they just happen!
Yes, the whole life cycle is pretty interesting as well.
You got some great shots. I don’t see buckeyes nearly as often as I’d like to.
Thanks Tina. It was a treat to watch this buckeye and the next day spotted half a dozen among my asters. Fun.
Lovely butterfly. I have a good deal of Ruellia humilis, which is supposed to be a host plant, but I haven’t seen one yet.
A beautiful butterfly, not one I have seen a picture of before. There is a Buckeye tree, do they have any connection?