Duskywing Butterfly by Leeco
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
Nikon 7900 pocket camera, hand-held image.
Day six of my “Butterfly week” and it is a recent shot of a new species for me. Unfortunately I can not pin down an exact ID yet. Btw – although it does have some wing damage, it is not missing an antennae, the right side one is just turned down, lol.
With 17 species in North America and 13 in Canada,the genus Erynnis (Duskywings) is probably the most difficult group of North American butterflies to identify in the field. However, the identity of a particular individual can often be narrowed to a few possibilities by noting the habitat and examining the range maps for each species.
I think I have it down to two possible species. Unfortunately, the distinction between Erynnis juvenalis and E. horatius seems to partially depend upon the presence (or absence) of two spots on the underside of the hindwings and I did not see the underside. Variation is high in both species and sexual dimorphism further complicates things.
On the juvenalis there are 8 to 9 small pale white spots going downward from the costal wing margin next to the large light patch near the top of the forewing - usually 4 then break then 4, or 4, then very small spot, then lower 4. In E.horatius there are only 6 small pale white spots next to the large pale forewing patch - 4 from the costal wing margin and 2 slightly lower. Notice also in horatius, the bottom 2 would-be pale spots are completely darkened (or sometimes absent in the male). These can be tricky to ID, but this is one way to help distinguish these two species.
Note: Male forewing has long white hairs scattered across (need magnifying glass or strong macro), whereas horatius does not.
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Class Insecta (Insects)
Order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily Papilionoidea (Butterflies)
Family Hesperiidae (Skippers)
Subfamily Pyrginae (Spread-wing Skippers)
Genus Erynnis (Duskywings)
Species juvenalis (Juvenal's Duskywing)
Eastern half of US and adjacent Canada.
Larvae feed on oaks.
I also would like to mention that a lot of my posted bug info usually comes from BugGuide.com (a very very good site for North American insect species identifications).
Thanks to those who take the time to comment,
Lee
Comments (10)
Very similar to one I see here except I can't get a good shot if it. It seems to be flighty. No pun intended. Wonderful detail and no doubt you'll find it in the bug guide sooner or later.
…. very, very much beautiful photo of this “nice” butterfly. In my garden the butterflies are disappeared….
What strikes me is the plump body, quite a fatty for a butterfly!
superb macro shot. your butterflies have been awesome
Gorgeous capture. Wonderful details and color. Bunny
Great shot and interesting infos. Fine postwork, Lee.
Shows how much I know, something like this I would have labled moth and not given it another thought. The first thing I did notice was the antenna but then that was the first thing you explained. You continue to shine and give us all an education Lee. Excellent capture, and I like the presentation, the curled page effect is a great touch, and does not detract from the main subject. Superb work. Bravo!!!!!
Lovely capture!
Wonderful shot. He's beautiful and the massive thick body makes me wonder if he is larger than most other butterflies. You see a wonderful array of insects in your area!
Nice shot, great details.