Wild Indigo DuskywingEnlarge

Closed wingEnlarge

Life Cycle of Butterflies

EggEnlarge	CaterpillarEnlarge

Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae)

These dark winged beauties have a rapid, erratic flight pattern. They are hard to follow but stop frequently for nectar and to bask in the sun. Males enjoy sipping nutrients from moist areas, commonly known as puddling. They got their well-suited name from the host plants they consume; Blue Wild Indigos and White Wild Indigos. These lovely butterflies will be an enjoyable guest in every garden.

Family: Skipper (Hesperiidae)

Subfamily: Spread-wing Skipper (Pyrginae)

Average Wingspan: 1 1/4" - 1 1/2"

Habitat: Woodland areas, fields

Similar To: Horace's Duskywing

Plants That Attract This Butterfly

• Nectar Plants (What is this?)
  Dogbane*, Sunflower, Red Clover*
  
• Host Plants (What is this?)
  False Indigo, Crown Vetch*, Cow Vetch*

* May not be available for purchase at your local nursery.

Note: Always check a plant's Hardiness Zone to make sure it will grow in your area. (What Is My Hardiness Zone?)

Where To Buy Plants

Butterfly Flight Range Map

Photo Credits:
Open wing - Fred Miller
Closed wing - Fred Miller
Egg - Fred Miller
Caterpillar - Fred Miller