This small brown butterfly has a wingspan of approximately 1 3/4 inches. It is brown overall with 2 black eyespots on each wing. The spots are ringed with gold and have 2 light pupils. The ventral side is brown and crossed with 2 dark brown lines. The wing margins are rimmed with dark brown lines. The mature caterpillars are approximately 1 1/4 inches long and spindle-shaped. They are light brown and have pale, short, hair-tipped spines all over the body. There is a wavy, cream-colored line on the sides.
This common satyr flies in late spring and summer and can be found along woodland edges and clearings. It has a bouncy flight and flies close to the ground. It does not nectar on flowers.
Though this species is common, the well camouflaged, night-feeding caterpillars are rarely seen. They overwinter as partially grown larvae. The host plants are many grasses including orchard grass and bluegrass.
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