Junonia grisea

Austin & Emmel, 1998

Gray Buckeye, Grey Buckeye, Western Buckeye

Junonia grisea is a in the Nymphalidae, found west of the Rocky Mountains in North America. It was elevated from status (Junonia coenia grisea) to full species in 2018 based on genetic and morphological research by Jeffrey Marcus and Melanie Lalonde. The gray buckeye is a brown butterfly with prominent eyespots on its wings that function in distraction. It closely resembles the common buckeye (Junonia coenia) but is geographically separated and genetically distinct.

Junonia grisea by (c) Brook, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Brook. Used under a CC-BY license.

Junonia grisea by no rights reserved, uploaded by Irene. Used under a CC0 license.

Junonia grisea by (c) Alex, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Junonia grisea: //dʒuːˈnoʊniə ˈɡɹiːsiə//

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Identification

Distinguished from the common buckeye (Junonia coenia) by geographic range—J. grisea occurs west of the Rocky Mountains while J. coenia is found to the east. The gray buckeye has a generally grayer overall appearance. Definitive identification requires genetic analysis or examination of subtle morphological differences; the were considered until 2018.

Images

Distribution

North America, west of the Rocky Mountains

Similar Taxa

Junonia coeniaFormerly considered the same ; J. coenia occurs east of the Rocky Mountains and has less gray coloration

More Details

Taxonomic history

Junonia grisea was described by Austin & Emmel in 1998 as a (Junonia coenia grisea). It was elevated to full status in 2018 based on research by Dr. Jeffrey Marcus and Melanie Lalonde at the University of Manitoba, who demonstrated genetic and morphological distinctness from J. coenia.