The common buckeye (Junonia coenia) is one of the most commonly seen butterflies in Georgia backyards.  It is seen so often that even somebody that has only a passing interest in butterflies is likely to familiar with it.  However, butterfly enthusiasts often are often guilty of not paying as much attention to the colors and patterns displayed on the wings of commonly seen butterflies as those species they spot less often.

       A good example of this is the common buckeye.  Have to ever noticed that the color of the ventral side of the wings we see displayed by common buckeyes flying about in the summer is noticeably different from those of buckeyes visiting our flowers in autumn?

       During the summer months, the undersides of the buckeye’s wings are tan or yellowish brown.  In contrast, the ventral sides of the wings of buckeyes flying about in the fall are rose-colored.

       Who would have guessed this is the case?