Funereal Duskywing
Erynnis funeralis

Photo August 2004 by Bill Lupardus

Description 1 1/8-1 3/4" (28-44 mm). FW very long and narrow; HW rather square. FW patterned, HW plain. Above, dark brown with blacker, mottled markings across FW; HW almost uniform blackish-brown. Female lighter than male with some buff spots on HW above. Small glassy white spots from costa to middle of FW. Below, lighter overall.

Similar Species Other white-fringed duskywings have shorter, broader FW, are lighter with more prominent dark markings. Fringes of Juvenal's and Pacuvius duskywings have brown checkering.

Life Cycle Caterpillar greenish with distinctive yellow-spotted yellow lines along sides. Host plants are woody and herbaceous legumes (Fabaceae). Chrysalis green.

Flight Successive broods in S. Texas; year-round. 3 broods in S. California; February-October.

Habitat Mountains with pine, juniper, oak; moist valleys; prairie and desert edges.

Range California, S. Nevada, S. Utah, Colorado and W. Kansas south to Argentina and Chile.

Discussion Named for its sober coloring, the Funereal Duskywing wanders far afield to colonize such pioneer legumes as vetch, lotus, and alfalfa. It is therefore common over a large range and during all seasons.