Diet

• The caterpillars feed primarily on black mangrove (Avicennia germinans), a characteristic host plant of this mangrove-associated buckeye.

• The larvae feed on the leaves of young mangrove plants and may remain concealed among the foliage when not feeding.

• Adults visit flowers for nectar, including Stachytarpheta and other nectar-producing plants.

Habitat

• As its common name suggests, J. neildi is strongly associated with coastal mangrove habitats, particularly areas containing black mangrove.

• It can be found around mangrove swamps, coastal wetlands, saline margins and nearby open vegetation.

• Adults may venture away from mangroves to visit flowers, but the presence of suitable mangrove habitat is important because of the caterpillar's specialised food plant.

Description

• The West Indian Mangrove Buckeye is a medium-sized buckeye with a wingspan of approximately 55–63 mm.

• The upper surface is predominantly reddish-brown to dark brown, with the characteristic large eyespots of Junonia. The forewing has a prominent dark eyespot with contrasting rings, while additional eyespots occur along the hindwing.

• Compared with the Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia), the overall appearance is often darker and more reddish-brown, without the same prominent broad creamy-white forewing band.

• The underside is cryptically mottled in brown and grey, providing effective camouflage when the butterfly rests among vegetation or leaf litter.