Hyaline Dotted Elfin
Common NameHyaline Dotted Elfin
Scientific NameErynnis lucilius
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, fields, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host PlantsWild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Flight PeriodApril to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae feed within leaf shelters and pupate in a loose cocoon, overwintering as pupae.
Identification TipsDistinguished from similar duskywings by the specific arrangement of hyaline spots and reliance on Wild Columbine as a host plant, though often difficult without close examination.
Description
A small, mottled brown and grey skipper with several prominent, translucent white spots on the forewings, providing camouflage against natural backgrounds.
