Species Insects & ArthropodsCarolina Satyr

Carolina Satyr

Hermeuptychia sosybius

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Carolina Satyr (Hermeuptychia sosybius)

The Carolina Satyr is the most abundant satyr butterfly in the southeastern United States, a small, plain brown butterfly with a row of small eyespots on the hindwing underside. It inhabits the dark, humid understory of pine forests and wooded parks, flying low among pine straw and grass. It is multiple-brooded throughout the year in the Deep South.

Habitat
Pine forests, wooded lawns, and shaded grassy areas in the Southeast
Diet
Larvae: grasses, especially St. Augustine grass. Adults: rotting fruit and moisture
How common
Common

Best time to see a Carolina Satyr

The best time to see a Carolina Satyr is April–August, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 12,539 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Carolina Satyr? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Carolina Satyr sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Carolina Satyr? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Carolina Satyr is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More insects & arthropods

Carolina Wolf Spider
Carolina Wolf Spider
Hogna carolinensis
Carpenter Moth
Carpenter Moth
Prionoxystus robiniae
Case-building Caddisfly
Case-building Caddisfly
Limnephilus rhombicus
Cassius Blue
Cassius Blue
Leptotes cassius
Cave Orb Weaver
Cave Orb Weaver
Meta ovalis
Cecropia Silkmoth
Cecropia Silkmoth
Hyalophora cecropia
Cellar Spider
Cellar Spider
Pholcus phalangioides
Ceraunus Blue
Ceraunus Blue
Hemiargus ceraunus