Wild Indigo Duskywing
Erynnis baptisiae
Summary
This little skipper is an example of an adaptable species. As the name suggests, its preferred host plant is wild indigo (Baptisia spp). With the decline of these plants in the wild, this duskywing has adopted a new larval food source, the highly invasive crownvetch (Securigera varia), a Eurasian import which was introduced by highway departments to control erosion on steep roadside banks.
More Details
FAMILY
Hesperiidae (Skippers)
IDENTIFICATION
Average wingspan 1.25-1.75. Irregular forewing patch with three or four very small hyaline spots in zigzag pattern. Appears to have "fingers" pointing outward.
HABITAT
Open areas, fields, meadows, roadsides,
LIFE CYCLE
Egg spherical with numerous longitudinal ridges; laid on or near new growth. Overwinters as fully grown larva. Males may be encountered in large puddle clubs, often in the company of other duskywings.
HOST PLANTS
Wild blue indigo (Baptisia australis), clovers.
Ecosystem Connections
The caterpillars are herbivores that graze on vegetation, and adults serve a role in pollination. All life stages provide food for predators. Additionally, because butterflies are so sensitive to toxins and disturbance, they are good indicators of the overall health of ecosystems.