The Butterfly in the Logo

I thought it only fitting that a logo for the Ohio State University Department of Entomology use the Buckeye (Junonia coenia Hübner) as its visual symbol. For some biological information, let me quote from Iftner et al. (1992), Butterflies and Skippers of Ohio (Bull. Ohio Biol. Surv. n.s. 9(1)):

Junonia coenia Hübner, 1822. Buckeye.

Distribution/Range: In the eastern United States, this species is a permanent resident only in the extreme South. Each year this species wanders northward, often reaching areas as far north as Minnesota, Michigan, and Maine. Ohio records are statewide in occurrence.

Habitat: This species is most frequently encountered in open areas characterized by low vegetation and exposed patches of soil. Typical habitats include old fields, pastures, vacant lots, clover and alfalfa fields, railroad rights-of-way, and open areas along rivers and streams.

Hostplants: In Ohio, this species has been found and reared on English plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.). Members of the plantain family (Plantaginaceae), acanthus (Acanthaceae), snapdragon (Scrophulariaceae), and vervain families (Verbenaceae) are the primary hostplants of this butterfly. These plants are widespread in Ohio.

Adult Energy Resources: Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), common boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum L.), asters (Aster spp.), sunflower (Helianthus decapetalus L.), and ironweed (Vernonia sp.). This species also imbibes moisture from damp soil, damp sand, and rotting fruit.

Flight Period: One to three broods, depending on how early in the season this species becomes established. Extreme dates range from 26 April to 29 November.

General Comments: This species does not normally overwinter in Ohio, and must re-establish itself yearly from populations farther south. The general abundance of this species varies greatly from year to year, and it may be common one year and absent the next. Although this species occurs statewide, it is most often encountered in the southern half of the State, particularly in the counties along the Ohio River. Populations are often localized and small, but sometimes attain high densities in very small areas. This butterfly is most common in late summer.

The flight of this species is fast and irregular, and usually occurs within one-half meter of the ground. Adults are most often encountered while they patrol open areas or as they perch with outstreched wings on exposed soil. Males seem very aggressive, and will chase after almost any object that flies past. Males may be territorial, because they usually return to the vicinity of their original perches. Adults are quite wary and can be very difficult to approach unless they are visiting flowers.

This species is variable in size and color. Early season adults are smaller and have a lighter ventral color pattern than adults occurring later in the season. In the autumn, adults may be found that have deep pink or reddish scaling on the ventral hindwings. This form, 'rosa' is most pronounced in the females. The size of the eye-spots on the dorsal hindwings is also quite variable.