Scottsdale Common Buckeye

Photo by Kelly Rausch

Though not unique to Scottsdale, the Common Buckeye Butterfly is a beauty with its six deceiving eyespots intended to frighten birds.  The chestnut brown coloring causes them to blend into the desert landscape, especially when the wings are folded.  But let him bask in the sun, and we get to enjoy the intricate details--beautiful, unless you are afraid of googly eyes.