Wild Indigo Duskywing
Erynnis baptisiae (W. Forbes, 1936)
Family: Hesperiidae
Status: Uncommon resident
NENHP Ranking: S3, Tier 2
Range: Found in the eastern United States west to Nebraska and Texas. In Nebraska it has been found statewide with the exception of the southern panhandle and the southwest corner.
Larval Hostplant(s): Various legumes including crown vetch (Coronilla varia), and Baptisia and Lupinus species.
Broods/Flight Times: Probably at least triple brooded in Nebraska with records from late April into October.
Overwintering: As full grown larvae.
Habitat: It is present at many wildlife and recreation areas where vetches have been introduced. It is also being found more frequently in urban settings where it likely uses ornamental legumes as larval hosts.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 3/8 – 1 5/8 inches
Found at: Harlan County Reservoir, Elwood Reservoir, Quadhammer WPA (Franklin County), Rowe Sanctuary, Niobrara Valley Preserve, Calamus SRA, Willow Creek SRA, Ash Hollow SHP, Crane Meadows, Fontenelle Forest
Similar Species: Horace’s Duskywing which normally does not stray far from oak woodlands.
Notes: This is a species that appears to have benefited from human activities. In addition to being found in prairies it sometimes becomes abundant in areas where vetch has been planted as ground cover and is beginning to be found in urban settings.
Wild Indigo Duskywing, Harlan County Reservoir, J. Nikkila
