Meridian Duskywing
Common NameMeridian Duskywing
Scientific NameErynnis meridianus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)32
Primary Colorsdark brown, grayish-brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, canyons, oak scrub, chaparral
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas) and northern Mexico
Host PlantsQuercus chrysolepis, Quercus arizonica, Quercus grisea
Flight PeriodFebruary to May (primarily), sometimes a second brood in late summer/fall
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on oak leaves. Larvae feed on the leaves, creating shelters, and overwinter as mature larvae or pupae.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark, mottled appearance and small, often obscure, hyaline spots on the forewings. It has a characteristic early spring flight period and lacks a prominent white hindwing fringe, helping differentiate it from similar duskywing species.
Description
A small, robust skipper with dark brown, mottled wings and small, often indistinct, white hyaline spots on the forewings. Its body is hairy and dark.
