Sleepy — wisconsinbutterflies.org Page 1 of 4

Wisconsin

z butterflies z tiger beetles z robber flies

Search species Sleepy Duskywing

The Sleepy Duskywing is one of the earliest butterflies, not hibernating as adults, on the wing in the spring and has been seen as early as April 9 in Michigan. In central Wisconsin they are most often seen flying in May and become scarce in June. This species and the Dreamy Duskywing are easily distinguished from the other by the lack of white spots near the leading edge of the forewing above. I most often see this species flying with the Juvenal, which is larger and has fairly large, offset white spots.

Weekly sightings for Sleepy Duskywing

Identifying characteristics

A black or dark brown without white spots near the leading edge of the forewing, a postmedian band of lighter coloring surrounded by black markings that form an irregular chain-link pattern. This same pattern occurs as another band, not so distinct, closer towards the body. The hindwing above has two rows of light dots that are also present below.

Similar species

The Sleepy Duskywing should only be confused with the Dreamy Duskywing. See the discussion about the differences between these two species on the Dreamy Duskywing page.

Habitat

Forest edges, open woodlands, and oak barrens where its larval host plants, various species of oaks, are

http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/118-sleepy-duskywing 6/5/2009 Sleepy Duskywing — wisconsinbutterflies.org Page 2 of 4

found.

Flight

One brood. Flies mainly in May and June, but may occasionally be seen in April and early July.

Abundance

More common than the Dreamy Duskywing in the southern half of the state, but unlikely to see more than 1-2 at once, unless there is a terrific

Early Sleepy Duskywing Sightings

Date County Reported by Apr 22, 2006 Grant Todd Sima Apr 23, 2007 Grant Todd Sima Apr 30, 2007 Grant Todd Sima May 1, 2007 Grant Todd Sima May 6, 2006 Jackson Mike Reese, Jeff Belth

Locations

Skippers | Spread-wing Skippers

http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/118-sleepy-duskywing 6/5/2009 Sleepy Duskywing — wisconsinbutterflies.org Page 3 of 4

Click to enlarge

West of Wazee Park, Jackson Co., WI, May 7, 2005.

Click to enlarge

West of Wazee Park, Jackson Co., WI, May 7, 2005.

http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/118-sleepy-duskywing 6/5/2009 Sleepy Duskywing — wisconsinbutterflies.org Page 4 of 4

Click to enlarge

Sandhill Wildlife Area, Wood Co., WI. May 22, 2005.

Show lightbox

© 2009 wisconsinbutterflies.org | contact | about

http://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/118-sleepy-duskywing 6/5/2009