Erynnis funeralis

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 species, 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

• Medicago sativa - larval hostprimary host, alfalfa
• Robinia neomexicana - larval hostNew Mexico locust
• Medicago hispida - larval host
• Lotus scoparius - larval hostdeerweed
• Olneya tesota - larval hostironwood
• Vicia - larval hostvetches
• Acmispon - larval hostdeerweeds

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

Fast, darting flight typical of duskywing skippers. Adults 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 host plant stands.

Larval herbivore on leguminous plants; contributes to nutrient cycling in prairie and semi-arid ecosystems. Adult pollinator, visiting diverse flowering plants for nectar. Serves as prey for birds, spiders, and other insectivores.

Occasional minor pest in alfalfa fields due to larval feeding. More commonly appreciated by butterfly watchers and photographers. Presence in urban gardens and parks makes it accessible for public engagement with native pollinators.

• 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 flight season in much of range
• Erynnis juvenalisJuvenal's duskywing has ventral hindwing spots not present in E. funeralis and more restricted early-spring flight period

• skipper
• duskywing
• legume feeder
• desert butterfly
• alfalfa pest

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