Horace’s Duskywing
Erynnis horatius
Summary
Native oaks are the host plants for over 500 species of butterflies and moths, including Horace’s duskywing. Larvae feed on the leaves of oaks, taking shelter in leaf nests when not actively feeding. The fully grown caterpillars overwinter in the leaf litter below the tree and pupate in spring. Adults show a preference for mid-sized nectar sources such as buttonbush, dogbane, mints and goldenrod.
More Details
FAMILY
Hesperiidae (Skippers)
IDENTIFICATION
Average Wingspan: 1.50-1.75 inches Upper surface (dorsal) dark brown. Small cluster of tiny white spots near forewing tip. Heavily patterned with gray, brown, black, and tan. Under surface hindwing lacks two small spots that are present on Juvenal's Duskywing.
HABITAT
Open oak forests, forest edges, trails, and roadsides.
LIFE CYCLE
Spherical egg with numerous longitudinal ridges. Laid on or near new growth. Two broods. Overwinters as fully grown larva.
HOST PLANTS
Oaks (Quercus).
Ecosystem Connections
The caterpillars are herbivores that graze on vegetation, and adults serve a role in pollination. All life stages provide food for predators. Because butterflies are so sensitive to toxins and disturbances in the environment, they are good indicators of the overall health of ecosystems.