Go Bucks!

People often get into a frenzy over their teams this time of year, and I feel the same way about mine.




The Common Buckeye is a southern butterfly that migrates north in favorable years. If their team's scouts arrive early enough in the summer, they will lay eggs and their offspring will infiltrate new territories, until fall's chill. This is strictly a warm weather warrior.

Photo by Jackie Riley

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This year has been awesome for Buckeyes. In fact, we have had an absolute infestation of them. Look about the knee high grasses for these spiny-yet-attractive black, blue and orange (whoops, wrong colors there!) caterpillars on plantains or buckhorns. However, if you are a big fan of chem-lawn and strive to keep your "weeds" controled, you won't be seeing any of these fascinating critters.

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Photo by Jackie Riley

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Their caterpillar also enjoy feeding on plants related to snapdragons. These used to be considered part of the Scrophulariaceae, but genetic testing has proven they are more likely related to Plantaginaceae- the family which includes buckhorn and plantains.

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That may be news to us, but I bet the Buckeyes knew all along!

Slender Foxglove, Agalinis tenuifolia

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These lovely members of the Geradia (now called Agalinis) genus often host Buckeye caterpillars. One has to admire a butterfly with both good looks and excellent taste in flora.

Photo by Paula Harper

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Occasionally, you'll find them perched on a flower head, but you can bet they will not be sharing it. Buckeyes are extremely pugnacious and generally protect their territory with a vengeance. More often you'll find them on open ground, darting about the gravel and dirt.

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Man, beast or butterfly shall not enter their domain without a provoking a warning flight from the spotted one.
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Photo by Paula Harper

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Is it any wonder they named a football team after them?

Look closely at the spines on his legs. Are these to inflect damage to predators, or is there another purpose? Just like a true warrior- he will dispatch the enemy!

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Behold the Buckeye: fearless insect fit for battle... until the weather turns cold.