Wood Nymph

Wood Nymph on the Green Path at the Connetquot River State Park

During a walk through the woods in the mythological world, one might encounter Satyrs (half-goat and half-man creatures) and Wood Nymphs (beautiful and amorous young women). In the Connetquot River State Park, one could also see Satyrs or Wood Nymphs, but these would be of the butterfly variety.  The pictures above are those of a Wood Nymph butterfly and they can often be seen flitting along the edge of  woods or resting on a tree bark or path. Its nickname is Goggle Eyes because of the eyespots on its wings. These serve as targets to divert attacks by predators away from its body region. I find the eyespots useful because they make it easier for me to see and identify these butterflies. Usually when they are resting, they hold their wings together and above their heads, as shown in the top picture. Today I got the rare opportunity to see one with its wings wide open and get a good glimpse at those eyespots.