Columbine Duskywing
(Erynnis lucilius)
This species is very similar to the Wild Indigo Duskywing and it is very difficult to separate these two species in the field or in photos. In addition, they are so much alike that even experts may not even be able to identify collected specimens correctly. In “The Butterflies and Skippers of Ohio” the authors note that there are only two probable records of this species in Ohio. They refer to these records as probable because an expert on Duskywings could only “tentatively” identify them as Columbine Duskywings.
In Wisconsin this species has been found in eastern Wisconsin where no Wild Indigo Duskywings has been found. Thus, in the eastern counties, this Duskywing might be thought of as easy to identify because there are no similar skippers. On the other hand if you see one in the southern and central counties along the Mississippi River, an observer needs to be very watchful and notice what host plants are being utilized.
Identifying characteristics: A small dark Duskywing that is probably not identifiable from the Wild Indigo Duskywing in the field.
Similar species: See the discussion of the difference between the Wild Indigo Duskywing and the Columbine Duskywing on the Wild Indigo Duskywing page.
Habitat: Trails and roadsides, ravines, and steep wooded slopes where Wild Columbine grows.
Flight: This species has two broods in Wisconsin, with the first brood occurring in late May through June and the second in July and into August.
Abundance: Not common in Wisconsin, but can become somewhat abundant where it is found.
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Columbine Duskywing
Erynnis lucilius