Mottled Duskywing
(Gesta martialis – formerly Erynnis martialis)
Spread-wing Skippers
Appearance: Above, distinctly mottled on both wings; forewing may have a purplish sheen when freshly emerged. Abdomen has light gray rings. Below, brown with mottled outer portions of both wings.
Wingspan: Small; 1 1/8 to 1 5/8 inches.
Habitat: Open brushy fields and hillsides, open woodlands.
Flight Times: April to September; one brood. Fully grown caterpillars hibernate.
Larval Foodplant: Fendler’s buckbrush.
Did You Know…
An uncommon eastern and mid-western duskywing with an isolated population in Colorado. Species is an avid hilltopper.
