The Dreamy Duskywing is a small, charming forest butterfly that may go unseen because it blends in so well with its woodland home.
Dreamy Duskywings are dark brown. Their forewings have a slight outward bend on the outer edge that a similar-looking relative, the larger Sleepy Duskywing, lacks. The underside of the forewings have ivory spots, which differ from most other Duskywings in that they are not transparent or glassy. On the top side of each forewing is a grayish band bordered in black. On the top of each hindwing are rows of light, ivory spots at the bottom edges which can be seen when the wings are spread flat. Look for flying adults near forest boundaries from late spring through early summer.
Larvae are fleshy, light green, and plump in the middle. The head is brown with two bulges at the back where the abdomen begins. These caterpillars feed on the leaves of willow, aspen, poplar, birch, and other trees. One brood is produced each year.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Hesperiidae
Genus:Erynnis
Species:icelus
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Erynnis icelus
Category:
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 29mm to 38mm (1.13in to 1.48in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: brown, ivory, gray, black
