The term “Buckeye” connects to the state of Ohio, known as the “Buckeye State.” This nickname originates from the native Aesculus glabra, or Ohio buckeye tree, which is the state tree. The tree produces a dark, glossy brown nut, often about the size of a quarter, that features a distinct light spot. This unique coloring causes the nut to resemble the eye of a male deer, or “buck’s eye,” giving the plant its common name. Because the cultural association is with this non-animal item, there is no single, official animal species universally recognized as “The Buckeye Animal.”
The Buckeye Butterfly
Despite the cultural focus on the tree, there is a specific insect that bears the name: the Common Buckeye Butterfly, scientifically known as Junonia coenia. This species is a member of the brush-footed butterfly family, Nymphalidae, and is one of the most recognizable butterflies across North America. It is named for the distinctive pattern on its wings, which feature large, dark, target-shaped spots that strongly resemble the buckeye nut.
The wingspan of the Common Buckeye typically ranges between 1.5 and 2.75 inches, showcasing a pattern of brown, orange, and white patches. The most striking characteristic is the presence of two prominent eyespots on the forewing and two more on the hindwing. These eyespots, which are thought to deter predators by mimicking the eyes of a larger animal, are multicolored, with a central white spot ringed by black and often a magenta crescent.
Although it is found in Ohio, the Common Buckeye is not exclusive to the state, with its geographic range covering much of the eastern and southwestern United States, extending south into Mexico and Central America. The larvae, or caterpillars, of this butterfly prefer to feed on plants that contain compounds called iridoid glycosides, such as those in the plantain and snapdragon families. The caterpillars incorporate these bitter compounds into their bodies, which acts as a chemical defense mechanism against predators like ants and wasps.
The Mascot Confusion
The origin of the search for a “Buckeye Animal” often leads back to the world of sports and university tradition. The most famous use of the name is by The Ohio State University, whose athletic teams and students are known as the Buckeyes. Their beloved mascot, Brutus Buckeye, is the primary source of common confusion on this topic.
Brutus is an anthropomorphic figure designed to represent the nut of the buckeye tree, not an animal. Created by students in 1965, the mascot has a large, round, nut-shaped head and wears a classic football uniform. The unique choice of a plant-based mascot, rather than a fierce animal symbol, often prompts the public to look for a corresponding creature to fill the perceived gap.
The mascot’s popularity and visibility cement the buckeye name in the public consciousness. This cultural phenomenon confirms that the term “Buckeye” is linked to a non-animal entity, which is why an official “Buckeye Animal” does not exist.
Ohio’s State Symbols and Wildlife
Since the term “Buckeye” is inherently tied to Ohio, understanding the state’s official animal symbols provides clarity on the local wildlife. Ohio officially designated the White-tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus, as its state animal in 1988. This mammal is widespread across the state, inhabiting forests, fields, and suburban environments.
The deer is named for the white underside of its tail, which it raises like a flag when it senses danger. Historically, the White-tailed Deer played a significant role for Native Americans and early settlers, with its hide being a valuable commodity in early trade.
The state bird of Ohio is the Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, which was adopted as the official symbol in 1933. The male cardinal is easily identified by its brilliant scarlet-red plumage, black facial mask, and distinct crest of feathers atop its head. Unlike many songbirds that migrate, the cardinal is a permanent resident, remaining in Ohio year-round.
The female Northern Cardinal has a more subdued, brownish-gray color, with reddish highlights on her wings, tail, and crest, providing camouflage during nesting. Beyond the bird and deer, Ohio also recognizes the Ladybug as the state insect. This demonstrates that the state’s symbolic fauna is composed of several distinct species, rather than a single “Buckeye Animal.”