Common Buckeye
Junonia coenia
Quick Rearing Snapshot & Biology Overview
Rearing and biology notes for Common Buckeye
Narrowleaf Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major), Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
~26 Days total (Egg → Butterfly)
Pupal Diapause (Does Not Migrate)
Vertical J-Hang
Thermal Degree-Day Hatch SimulatorInteractive
Slide ambient temperature to see how heat accelerates metamorphosis for Common Buckeye
*Calculated via standard insect thermal summation models (base threshold 50°F / 10°C).
Common Buckeye
Junonia coenia (Hübner, 1822) — Nymphalidae • Junoniini
- Two large target-like eyespots on forewing and two prominent eyespots on hindwing
- Top hindwing eyespot is giant with concentric black, orange, and iridescent magenta-blue rings
- Two bright orange transverse bars on the forewing subcosta
- Creamy white diagonal band isolating the upper forewing eyespot
- Fast, gliding territorial flight low over open meadows and sandy pathways
Larval Host Flora:
Silo 02 BotanyOnly supply fresh, pesticide-free foliage from these verified native botanical species:
- •Narrowleaf Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
- •Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major)
- •Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
- •Wild Petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis)
- •False Foxglove (Agalinis purpurea)
Key Husbandry Tips
Silo 04 Husbandry- •Extremely easy species to raise for beginners because host plantain weeds grow in almost any untreated lawn.
- •Larvae are charcoal with branching blue-black spines on orange bases. Spines are soft and not urticating.
- •Freshly cut plantain leaves are laid on damp paper towels at the base of the mesh enclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions (Common Buckeye)
Direct answers to the most common rearing, diet, and metamorphosis questions
Master Research Guides for Common Buckeye
Rearing protocols, lifecycle stages, and field husbandry
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