Horace's Duskywing
Common NameHorace's Duskywing
Scientific NameErynnis horatius
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark brown, gray, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, fields, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern and Central United States, south into Mexico and Central America
Host Plantsoak (Quercus spp.), American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens), various other legumes
Flight PeriodMarch to October (multiple broods, varies by latitude)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae feed on the leaves, creating leaf shelters, and pupate in a loose cocoon near the ground or within a leaf shelter. Overwinters as a pupa or larva.
Identification TipsDistinguished from similar duskywings by the generally darker appearance, especially the hindwings. Males have a large, prominent costal fold. Females often show a row of distinct white spots on the forewing, which are less prominent or absent in males.
Description
A medium-sized, dark brown skipper with mottled wings, often appearing blackish or grayish. Males have a prominent costal fold on the forewing, while females have more distinct pale spots.
