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Wisconsin

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Search species Mottled Duskywing Erynnis martialis

The Mottled Duskywing is not a common species throughout Wisconsin, despite its host plants, two species of New Jersey Tea, ( americanus), and (Ceanothus herbaceous), being found throughout most of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin DNR says that this species is common in Burnett and Douglas Counties but is uncommon elsewhere. Many authors feel that this species is the easiest of the to identify, and note that this species is an avid hilltopper. Look for this species on the highest spots in suitable habitat.

Weekly sightings for Mottled Duskywing

Identifying characteristics

This species looks much like the other Duskywings with white hyaline spots, but has v-shaped submarginal white marks and very contrasting dark markings, similar to the female Juvenal. The hind wing above has brown spots that contrast with the background color and give the its mottled appearance. Fresh individuals may show a purple sheen in good light, but I have not been able to see this in any photos. The spring generation is usually smaller than the summer individuals.

Similar species

Similar to several other Duskywings, including Wild Indigo Duskywing, Juvenal, and Horace. The Wild Indigo Duskywing flies at nearly the same time for both generations and could be mistaken at a distance, but they usually are much darker in the inner third of the wing, while the Mottled is not, clearly shows contrasting colors throughout the forewing above, and is definitely has a mottled hindwing. Both Horace’s and Juvenal’s females are more mottled and contrasting in the forewing, are usually larger, and also do not have a mottled hindwing.

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Habitat

Open woodlands, and barren habitats in Wisconsin.

Flight

Two broods. The first flies in May and early June while the second flies in July and early August.

Abundance

Uncommon and a species of special concern in Wisconsin.

Locations

Skippers | Spread-wing Skippers

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Mottled Duskywing, Photo © Esjay Anderson

Dry Landing Road, North of Clemens Creek, Burnett Co., WI. May 23, 2009.

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Mottled Duskywing

Crex Meadows, Burnett Co., WI. May 23, 2009.

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Mottled Duskywing

Crex Meadows, Burnett Co., WI. May 23, 2009.

Camp Robinson WMA, Faulkner Co., AR. June 20, 2004.

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http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/121-mottled-duskywing 6/5/2009