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Giant Silk
Moth Survey

PERSIUS DUSKYWING (Erynnis persius)

Identification
Male is brown-black above with many raised white hairs on the forewing, giving it a duskier look. Female is lighter above with a stronger pattern. Both are mainly dark brown below with some mottling and dots.

Massachusetts Butterfly Club photographs

Kaufman's Butterflies of North America, page 284
Glassberg's Butterflies Through Binoculars, plate 52

Habitat in Vermont
Unknown but probably pine-oak barrens.

Host Plant
Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria)

Adult Food Preferences
Uncertain

U.S. Distribution

VBS Distribution
There are no records in the state of Vermont.

VBS Flight Period
The flight period is unknown in Vermont and Massachusetts, but
they generally have one brood from April-June.

Notes
For those butterflyers not well acquainted with this genus (which means most of us) this species will be difficult. It was once believed to range across much of New England. But its past and present status remain somewhat mysterious. In any event, it is extremely rare. But do think of it when you’re in patchy pine-oak habitats. You’ll probably need to collect it for us to be certain on the identity.

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