Megisto cymela
(Cramer, 1777)
Little Wood Satyr
Species Guides
2- Megisto cymela cymela(Little Wood Satyr)
- Megisto cymela viola(Viola's Wood-Satyr)
Megisto cymela, commonly known as the Little Wood Satyr, is a in the Satyrinae found across eastern North America. are characterized by their light brown wings with distinctive yellow-rimmed black eyespots. The species inhabits woodland edges, forest clearings, and brushy areas, where it flies low among vegetation with a slow, bouncing pattern. Fourth-instar caterpillars overwinter in leaf litter before completing development in spring.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Megisto cymela: /mɛˈɡɪstoʊ saɪˈmɛlə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from the closely related Carolina Satyr (Hermeuptychia sosybius) by larger size and more prominent eyespot pattern. The two yellow-rimmed black eyespots on each forewing, visible on both wing surfaces, are diagnostic. Hindwing surface shows reduced eyespot size compared to surface. pattern is slow and bouncing, typically within 2 meters of ground level.
Images
Habitat
Deciduous forest edges, brush-filled openings along cleared forest roads, and grassy corridors between forested patches. Requires open areas with brushy cover, often in association with marshy zones. Strongly associated with edge rather than closed forest.
Distribution
Eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Northern limit: Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan. Southern limit: Florida. Western limit: Texas, Wyoming. M. c. viola reported from southern portions of range, though taxonomic status disputed.
Seasonality
Northern : active June–July. Southern populations: adults active March–September. Fourth-instar caterpillars hibernate through winter, resuming feeding in May. lasts approximately 8 days.
Diet
Larval plants: Dactylis glomerata (orchard grass), Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Eremochloa ophiuroides ( grass). food sources: plant sap, honeydew, and rotting fruit. Adults rarely visit flowers.
Host Associations
- Dactylis glomerata - larval food plantorchard grass
- Poa pratensis - larval food plantKentucky bluegrass
- Eremochloa ophiuroides - larval food plant grass
Life Cycle
Females deposit singly on grass blades or at base of tree trunks. Larvae develop through four instars; fourth instar enters in leaf litter during winter. Development resumes in May, followed by final instar feeding, 8-day , and . Partially or depending on latitude.
Behavior
is slow and bouncing, generally maintaining low altitude near ground level. twist between grasses, small trees, and bushes while foraging. Despite apparent slow flight, individuals are difficult to capture due to erratic maneuvering through dense vegetation. Adults occasionally rise to level.
Ecological Role
function as consumers of plant exudates and honeydew, potentially contributing to nutrient cycling in forest edge . Larval grazing on grasses may influence ground-layer vegetation structure in forest openings.
Human Relevance
Subject of entomological collecting; noted as difficult to capture despite slow appearance. No significant agricultural or economic impact documented.
Similar Taxa
- Hermeuptychia sosybiusCarolina Satyr is smaller with similar but less prominent eyespot pattern; occurs in overlapping range but prefers more open .
More Details
Taxonomic note
M. c. viola has been described for southern based on subtle morphological differences, but boundaries and validity remain disputed among researchers.
Phylogenetic placement
Member of subtribe Euptychiina, a predominantly Neotropical group within Satyrinae.