Juvenal’s Duskywing
Erynnis juvenalis (Fabricius, 1793)
Family: Hesperiidae
Status: Uncommon local resident
NENHP Ranking: S2, Tier 2
Range: Erynnis juvenalis is found in the eastern half of the United States, with additional isolated populations in the west. It has been found in eastern Nebraska and extending westward in wooded bluffs along the Niobrara River.
Larval Hostplant(s): Oaks (Quercus sp).
Broods/Flight Times: One spring flight peaking in May.
Overwintering: As fully grown larvae.
Habitat: Juvenal’s Duskywing inhabits openings in oak woodlands and their borders.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 1/4 – 1 15/16 inches
Found at: Indian Cave State Park, Table Rock SWMA, Niobrara Valley Preserve, Fontenelle Forest, Camp Luther (Colfax County), Ponca State Park (nv)
Similar Species: Horace’s Duskywing which lacks the spot on the top of the ventral hindwing.
Notes: It is unreported from many areas with oak woodlands. likely due to its early flight period. It has the potential to be found over a much greater area where native oaks are present. Adults often perch on the ground and males fly low over it in search of females.
Juvenal’s Duskywing, Jerry A. Payne, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org
