Mottled Duskywing — wisconsinbutterflies.org Page 1 of 4
Wisconsin Butterflies
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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, (Ceanothus 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 Duskywings 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 butterfly 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
http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/121-mottled-duskywing 6/5/2009 Mottled Duskywing — wisconsinbutterflies.org Page 3 of 4
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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.
http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/121-mottled-duskywing 6/5/2009 Mottled Duskywing — wisconsinbutterflies.org Page 4 of 4
Click to enlarge
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