Endangered Resources Program Species Information
Columbine Dusky Wing (Erynnis lucilius)
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Overview
Species Overview
Columbine dusky wing ( Erynnis lucilius ), a State Special Concern butterfly, This species is found in woodland habitat with wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis); most often in rocky ravines, gullies, or woodland edge. Also found in prairie habitat edged with oak woods. This species is bivoltine, their flight periods are the first three weeks of May and mid July through early August. Larvae live in leaf nests on the hostplant and mature larvae overwinter in the litter at the base of the plant.
Status and NHI Documented Occurrences in Wisconsin
The table below provides information about the protected status (State and Federal Status) and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Columbine Dusky Wing (Erynnis lucilius). See the Working List Key for more information about the abbreviations used. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. For invertebrates, dots depict locations from the "Invertebrate Atlas," a database with occurrences of rare and common aquatic and select terrestrial invertebrate species found in Wisconsin and adjacent areas. While the invertebrate atlas is a quality assured database, not all records have been verified. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.
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Detailed Information
Identification: The forewings above are mottled with black, brown and faint tan patches with several small white spots towards the apex; brown patch at end of forewing cell is indistinct. Hindwing below has a single strong row of white spots along the outer margin. Hindwing above is dark with blurry pale spots in one or two rows in the outer third and a thin black marginal line and a gray fringe. The habit of resting on the ground with wings held below horizontal helps separate the Erynnis skippers from other dark butterflies. Sending a specimen to a lepidopterist for microscopic examination is the only way to reliably separate the Persius, Wild Indigo, and Columbine duskywings. All three are hostplant specialists, and careful observations of adult activity around possible host plants may offer a clue to their identification. Wingspan: 21-29 mm. Length of forewing: 11-14 mm. Larvae are pale green with a dark green dorsal line and a black head (Layberry et al 1998).
Similar Species: Of the eight species of duskywings in Wisconsin, the Persius, Wild Indigo, and Columbine duskywings are very similar and the most difficult to distinguish from each other. Sleepy and Dreamy duskywings have no white spots and a prominent chain-like postmedian band on the forewing. Juvenal’s duskywing is significantly larger (37 mm wingspan, forewing 18 mm) and distinguished by the two subapical light spots that are usually present on the underside of the hindwing.
Habitat: Woodland habitat with wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis); most often in rocky ravines, gullies, or woodland edge. Also found in prairie habitat edged with oak woods.
Nectar Source: Columbine (Layberry et al. 1998) and flower nectar (Opler et al. 1995). The Columbine Duskywing visits flowers more often than other eastern duskywing species (Layberry et al. 1995).
Host Plant: Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis).
Associated Species: May be found nectaring with elfins (Callophrys spp.) and spring azures (Celastrina ladon) (Layberry et al. 1998).
State Distribution: There are records for the species from all parts of the state with the exception of the Northern Highlands region. Chippewa, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Fond du Lac, Grant, Sauk, Trempealeau, Vernon, Washington, Waukesha and Waupaca Counties. However, uncommon and localized in Wisconsin. The columbine duskywing is not present in all areas containing the foodplant. Its status is difficult to accurately determine due to the great difficulty of identification.
Global Distribution: Southern New England south to New Jersey and Pennsylvania; in the Appalachians to Virginia and Kentucky; west through southern Quebec and into Iowa and Minnesota..
Threats: Habitat loss due to woody species and forest encroachment. Since it is unknown where the larvae overwinter, they may be exposed and vulnerable to being killed by fire. Larvae may be impacted by Bt spraying for gypsy moth control.
Phenology: First three weeks of May and mid July through early August.
Life History: Bivoltine. Larvae live in leaf nests on the hostplant. Mature larvae overwinter in the litter at the base of the plant (Layberry et al. 1998).
Survey Guidance: Look for second generation adults taking moisture along damp roadways. Voucher specimens should be collected and examined by a specialist.
Inventory, Monitoring and Research Needs: Locate additional populations and better define adult flight times.
Management Guidance: Sites managed with fire should be divided into several burn units and include refugia as a necessary precaution.
Information originally presented as part of the Online Field Guide to Rare Lepidoptera: Bogs and Barrens.
Photos
No additional photos are available for Columbine Dusky Wing at this time.
Related Links
Links to Additional Columbine Dusky Wing Information
- WisconsinButterflies.org Species Profile [Exit DNR]
- Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA) [Exit DNR]
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