Neonympha areolatus

Neonympha areolatus (J.E. Smith, 1797)
Georgia Satyr

Georgia satyr. Photo by Vitaly Charney. Image may be subject to copyright.

Federal Protection: No US federal protection

State Protection: No Georgia state protection

Global Rank: G3G4

State Rank: S3

Element Locations Tracked in Biotics: Yes

SWAP 2015 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN): Yes

SWAP 2025 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN): Yes

2025 SGCN Priority Tier: Moderate Conservation Concern

Element Occurrences (EOs) in Georgia: 9

Habitat Summary for element in Georgia: freshwater marsh powerlines

Description

A satyr with a dark brown unmarked upperside and notable underside. The hind wing underside has three distinct elongated eyespots and one (sometimes two) much smaller eyespots. Distinct orange lines run along the wings and encircle the eyespots.

Similar Species

Georgia satyr and Helica satyr were once thought to be the same species.

Habitat

Wetland areas, including bogs, meadows, and pine flats.

Diet

Larvae probably eat sedges. Adult nectar sources have not been reported.

Life History

Adults have a bobbing flight pattern typical of many satyrs. They stop often to rest on vegetation. Brood numbers vary by location. Georgia has the potential to have two or more broods per year. Eggs are laid singly on vegetation. Fourth instar larvae may overwinter in a dormant state.

Survey Recommendations

This species has not been documented in Georgia for several years. Surveys are necessary to know if any populations remain in the state.

Range

Southeastern United States from Virginia south to the Florida Keys. Along the Gulf of Mexico as far West as Texas. Historic records farther north to New Jersey and north of the Gulf of Mexico into Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Threats

Reduction in wetlands. Pesticide use.

SWAP 2025 Threat Matrix

Threat 1 Threat 2 Threat 3

General Threat Natural system modifications Pollution Agriculture & aquaculture

Specific Threat Fire & fire suppression Air-borne pollutants Wood & pulp plantations

	Threat 1	Threat 2	Threat 3
General Threat	Natural system modifications	Pollution	Agriculture & aquaculture
Specific Threat	Fire & fire suppression	Air-borne pollutants	Wood & pulp plantations

Georgia Conservation Status

The Georgia satyr has not been documented in the state for several years.

Conservation Management Recommendations

Maintain and restore wetland habitats. Sparing use of pesticides as exposure will likely kill any individual exposed.

SWAP 2025 Conservation Actions:

Action 1: Restore or enhance habitat
Action 2: Protect mature pine forests
Action 3: Reduce the impacts of pesticides on terrestrial invertebrates through education and alternative management practices
Action 4: Reassess the conservation status of SGCN before the next revision of Georgia's State Wildlife Action Plan

References

“Georgia Satyr Neonympha Areolatus (J.E. Smith, 1797).” Georgia Satyr Neonympha Areolatus (J.E. Smith, 1797) | Butterflies and Moths of North America, Butterflies and Moths of North America, 11 Oct. 2019, https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Neonympha-areolatus.

Authors of Account

Anna Yellin

Date Compiled or Updated

December 27, 2019