Red Satyr
Megisto rubricata
Photographed in Florida Canyon, Sta. Rita Mts., Arizona, USA. 28 July 2013.
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The Red Satyr flies close to the ground in and out of shade between the trees in sycamore and oak woodlands through much of Southeast Arizona. It does not visit flowers, but occasionally will alight on dung or dampened soil. The eye spots on the wings are hypothesized to direct the attention of birds to less vulnerable body parts. It would appear that the ruse has worked for this specimen which was able to fly for at least another day after parts of its wings were broken off in the mouth of a predator.
Nymphalidae -- Brush-footed Butterfly Family
More Information:
- Butterflies and Moths of North America
- Bugguide - Iowa State University
- Google Images
- Google Scholar Literature Search