Description
The Columbine Duskywing (Erynnis lucilius) is a small, dark brown butterfly with subtle pale markings on its forewings, commonly found in open woodlands and rocky areas where wild columbine (Aquilegia) grows, primarily in the eastern parts of North America.
Range
East of a line from Rochester to Minneapolis to Grand Forks.
Similar Species
Wild Indigo Duskywing is just about identical. The key is habitat. If it’s an area with a lot of columbine and little vetch or legumes, it’s probably columbine especially if you can see the skipper laying eggs on columbine.
Host Plants
Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Flight
May to August