Northern Pearly Eye feeding on oak tree sap

I came across a tree sap party one day in late June 2004. There were a dozen or more Northern Pearly-eyes and Little Wood Satyrs all clustering on one pin oak tree that was oozing sap at several locations. That sap was like catnip for those butterflies. They kept coming and going and jockeying for position, it was really a sight to see. The image in the thumbnail at the top of this page shows another butterfly at the side coming in for a landing. The Northern Pearly Eye has only recently been determined a species in its own right. The larva feed on forest grasses instead of the cane favored by the more southern Pearly Eye. The Northern Pearly Eye is confined to forests and their borders. It tolerates more shade than most other butterflies. And, unlike most other butterflies, it is not attracted to flowers, preferring tree sap, carrion and scat for its nutritional needs. It often perches on tree trunks, leaves and bushes, often gathering in groups like the ones pictured here.
Antennal club has orange, black-ringed tip. All underwing eye-spots have "pupils".
Similar Species: Pearly Eye is larger with richer coloring. Creole pearly eye has dark patches above. Life Cycle: Caterpillar is green with red-tipped, forked spines at both ends; feeds on grasses. One brood June-August. Habitat: Deciduous woods and margins, forest glades. Range: Manitoba and northern Arkansas east to Maine and Virginia.

Northern Pearly Eye Enodia anthedon

Painted Lady Vanessa cardui

American Painted Lady Vanessa virginiensis