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Mottled duskywing

Mottled duskywing

Erynnis martialis

A species of Duskywings

Erynnis martialis, the mottled duskywing, is a butterfly of the family Hesperiidae. It is found in most of the eastern United States and in southern Ontario, and southeastern Manitoba. It is listed as a species of special concern and believed extirpated in the US state of Connecticut. The wingspan is 25–29 mm. There can be two generations from mid-May to late August. The larvae feed on wild lilacs including New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) and redroot (Ceanothus herbaceus) in the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae). Adults feed on nectar from flowers of Bush houstonia, Gromwell, Verbena stricta and other plants.

General Info About Mottled duskywing
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Attributes of Mottled duskywing
Colors
Brown
Black
Gray
White
Habitat
open woodland; barren; prairie hill; open brushy field; chaparral
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar from aster spp., flower nectar from milkweed (asclepias spp.), flower nectar from thistles (cirsium spp.), flower nectar from red clover (trifolium pratense), flower nectar from vetch (vicia spp.)
Larva Food Source
Oak leaves (quercus spp.), willow leaves (salix spp.), aspen leaves (populus spp.)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Life Cycle of Mottled duskywing
Egg The life of mottled duskywing begins as tiny eggs, usually laid on host plants. The eggs are round and may vary in color, often blending with foliage.
Larva Upon hatching, mottled duskywing enters the larval stage, commonly known as caterpillars. The larvae are elongated with a distinct head, chewing mouthparts, and several pairs of legs. They often have specific patterns and colors for camouflage.
Pupal After several molts, the larva of mottled duskywing forms a pupa. This stage is a time of transformation within a protective casing. The pupa may attach to a plant or burrow into the soil.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult mottled duskywing's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Mottled duskywing Larvae
Birds, small mammals, rodents, spiders, wasps, ants
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Predators of Adult Mottled duskywing
Birds, rodents, lizards, spiders, dragonflies, mantises, frogs
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Interesting Facts About Mottled duskywing
Despite its rapid flight, mottled duskywing larva can remain motionless for hours, a behavioral mystery intriguing biologists.
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Scientific Classification of Mottled duskywing
Tips for Finding Mottled duskywing
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How Can You Attract Mottled duskywing
Since mottled duskywing is a type of butterfly, and butterflies are generally attracted to nectar, setting up bait stations with sweet substances such as overripe fruit or a mixture of fermenting bananas, sugar, and beer can be an effective method to attract them.
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Habitat Preferences of Mottled duskywing Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of mottled duskywing are typically found on the underside of host plant leaves where they are laid singly. As caterpillars, they reside within rolled or tied leaves of the host plant, feeding on the internal tissues. To search for these larvae, look for rolled or webbed leaves on the host plant. Pupae are typically found within a cocoon in leaf litter or in the soil near the host plant. The adult mottled duskywing prefers open fields and edges of forests where they have access to nectar sources. Searching for adults requires visiting these habitats during suitable weather conditions when they are most active.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Mottled duskywing
The best time to find adult mottled duskywing is usually on sunny days when temperatures are warm, as butterflies are ectothermic and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Morning hours are often ideal when they are most active looking for nectar and mates.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Mottled duskywing
Warm and dry conditions are typically most suitable when seeking mottled duskywing, as wet or cold weather can reduce their activity levels. It's also beneficial to search for them on days when it's not too windy, as butterflies prefer less turbulent air for easier flight.
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How and Where Can You Find Mottled duskywing at Different Life Stages
Egg Mottled duskywing eggs are often laid on host plants that the caterpillars will eat upon hatching. Look for the eggs on the undersides of leaves or in protected areas of the host plant.
Larva Mottled duskywing caterpillars can be found on or near their host plants. Search for signs of feeding, such as chewed leaves, and look for caterpillar droppings (frass) to locate them.
Pupal Mottled duskywing pupae blend well with their surroundings and are typically attached to plant stems or leaves. They can be found by carefully examining the host plants, especially looking for a change in texture or shape on stems or undersides of leaves.
Adult Adult mottled duskywing butterflies are often found in open, sunny areas with abundant flowering plants. Look for them feeding on nectar, basking in the sun on the ground or on leaves, or flying among potential mates. Flower gardens, meadows, and grasslands are common habitats to find them.
Are Mottled duskywing harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Mottled duskywing
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Hurt Plant

Mottled duskywing inflicts harm on its host plants, primarily the Ceanothus species within the Fabaceae family, through feeding activities. Larvae chew on the plant tissues, focusing their damage specifically on the leaves. This feeding results in the foliage exhibiting hole formations, which can lead to a decrease in photosynthetic capability and overall vitality of the plant.

More Effects of Mottled duskywing

Beneficial Effects of Mottled duskywing
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Mottled duskywing is a true pollinator, adept at using its proboscis to sip nectar from a variety of flowers. In the process, pollen often adheres to its body and is incidentally transferred from bloom to bloom, effectively assisting in the pollination of plants.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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