Erynnis juvenalis
(Fabricius, 1793)
Juvenal's Duskywing
Species Guides
2- Erynnis juvenalis clitus(Clitus Duskywing)
- Erynnis juvenalis juvenalis(Northern Juvenal's Duskywing)
Erynnis juvenalis, commonly known as Juvenal's Duskywing, is a in the Hesperiidae. It is a spring-flying active in early April through late spring, with often seen in open including prairies, glades, and fens. The species is notoriously difficult to distinguish from the closely related Erynnis horatius based on wing patterns alone.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Erynnis juvenalis: /ɛˈrɪnɪs dʒuːˈvɛnəlɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from Erynnis horatius (Horatius's Duskywing) by the presence of one or two small white dots on the hindwing; E. horatius lacks these dots. Both share similar dark brown wing coloration with pale spots. Reliable separation requires examination of the ventral wing surface or knowledge of period: E. juvenalis flies only in early spring, while E. horatius persists through summer.
Images
Habitat
Open including limestone and dolomite glades, prairies, fens, and riparian woodlands. Observed in calcareous wet meadows and areas with exposed rock and herbaceous vegetation.
Distribution
North America: documented from Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (including Vermont and throughout eastern and central regions). Present in Middle America. Records from southwestern Missouri and eastern Kansas indicate activity in the central United States.
Seasonality
Early spring flyer; active from early April through late spring. Does not persist into summer, unlike the similar Erynnis horatius.
Behavior
exhibit rapid, darting typical of skippers. Frequently observed flitting about low herbaceous vegetation in open .
Ecological Role
may visit flowers; specific relationships not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Erynnis horatiusExtremely similar wing pattern; reliably distinguished only by hindwing dots (absent in E. horatius) and period (E. horatius flies spring through summer, E. juvenalis only early spring).