Erynnis funeralis

(Scudder & Burgess, 1870)

Funereal Duskywing

Erynnis funeralis, commonly known as the funereal duskywing, is a medium-sized in the Hesperiidae. It ranges from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America to South America. The is distinguished from similar duskywings by its narrow forewing with a white fringe on the hindwing. are active from February to October, with larvae feeding on various leguminous plants.

Erynnis funeralis 322895169 by dvollmar. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Erynnis funeralis P1100185a by
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Erynnis funeralis 327223387 by John Rosford. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Erynnis funeralis: //ɛˈrɪn.nɪs fjuːˈnɛ.rə.lɪs//

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Identification

Distinguished from the similar mournful duskywing (Erynnis tristis) by narrower forewings with a light brown patch along the outer edge. The white fringe on the hindwing is a key field mark. From other Erynnis , the combination of narrow forewing, dark ground color, and prominent white hindwing fringe is diagnostic. Males have a costal fold on the forewing; females lack this fold and are generally slightly larger.

Images

Appearance

Wingspan 34–45 mm. Forewings narrow, predominantly black with brown markings and a light brown patch along the outer edge. Hindwings black with brown areas and a conspicuous white fringe along the outer margin. Overall dark coloration with contrasting pale fringe creates a distinctive 'funereal' appearance.

Habitat

Open, sunny areas including prairies, glades, woodland edges, and disturbed . Often associated with leguminous plants. In the southwestern United States, found in desert and semi-arid environments including riparian corridors and urban gardens.

Distribution

Native range extends from southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas south through Mexico and Central America to Argentina and Chile. Strays documented north to northern Illinois, northeastern Nebraska, central Colorado, southern Nevada, and central California. GBIF records confirm presence in Middle America, North America, and South America.

Seasonality

observed from February to October in the United States, with peak activity varying by latitude. Multiple per year in warmer portions of range. In southern Arizona and similar climates, active nearly year-round with reduced winter activity.

Diet

Larvae feed on various leguminous plants including Medicago sativa (alfalfa), Medicago hispida, Robinia neomexicana, Lotus scoparius, Olneya tesota, Vicia , and Acmispon. feed on flower nectar from diverse blooming plants.

Host Associations

Medicago sativa - larval primary , alfalfa
Robinia neomexicana - larval New Mexico locust
Medicago hispida - larval
Lotus scoparius - larval deerweed
Olneya tesota - larval ironwood
Vicia - larval vetches
Acmispon - larval deerweeds

Life Cycle

Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Larvae have black and green body with yellow hairs and yellow markings. occurs in silken shelters on or near plants. Multiple per year in most of range.

Behavior

Fast, darting typical of duskywing skippers. perch with wings partially open, basking in sunlight. Males establish territories and perch on prominent vegetation to await females. Both sexes visit flowers for nectar, with adults often remaining near larval plant stands.

Erynnis tristisMournful duskywing has broader forewings and lacks the distinct white hindwing fringe; forewing lacks the light brown outer edge patch
Erynnis horatiusHorace's duskywing has more extensive pale markings on forewing and different season in much of range
Erynnis juvenalisJuvenal's duskywing has hindwing spots not present in E. funeralis and more restricted early-spring period

More Details

Nomenclature

The epithet 'funeralis' refers to the dark, somber coloration of the wings, not to any association with death or decay in its .