Georgia Satyr - Alabama Butterfly Atlas

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The status of the species known as Georgia Satyr has been in flux for decades. Until 1999, "Georgia Satyr" also included a widespread group of very similar butterflies that were classified as subspecies 'helicta'. In that year, based on slight differences in wing markings as well as perceived habitat differences, the two types were each awarded full species status: Georgia Satyr (Neonympha aureolatus) and Helicta Satyr (N. helicta). In 2019, the Catalogue of the Butterflies of the United States and Canada (Jonathon P. Pelham) once again listed 'helicta' as a subspecies of Georgia Satyr.

Georgia Satyrs bounce and bob among low vegetation. Rarely flying more than a foot above the ground, they tend to fly through tall shrubs rather than over them. Males tirelessly patrol in search of mates, but females are reclusive, flying when flushed, then quickly dropping deep into the undergrowth.

Distribution and Abundance

A dot on the county map indicates that there is at least one documented record of the species within that county. In some cases, a species may be common throughout the county, in others it may be found in only a specific habitat. The High Count information shows the highest numbers recorded for this species as well as when and where they occurred.

The sightings bar graphs depict the timing of flight(s) within each of three geographic regions. Place your cursor on a bar within the graph to see the number of individuals recorded during that period.

The abundance calendar displays the total number of individuals recorded within each week of the month. Both the graphs and the calendar are on based data collection that began in 2000.

The records analyzed here are only a beginning. As more data is collected, these maps and graphs will paint a more accurate picture of distribution and abundance in Alabama. Submit your sightings to albutterflyatlas@gmail.com.

Sightings in the following counties: Baldwin, Bibb, Covington, Escambia, Mobile, Shelby, Washington