Description
The Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus) is a small, dark brown butterfly with a velvety appearance, marked by faint white spots on the forewings, commonly found in gardens, fields, and disturbed areas across North America. I have yet to see this species in Minnesota so the images above are from Iowa and Illinois.
Range
A rare stray in the southern and western counties.
Similar Species
None. The darker color and lack of markings or mottling makes this species easy to ID.
Host Plants
Lamb’s Quarters (Chenopodium album), Amaranths (Amaranthus spp.), Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus)
Flight
A stray in the mid-late summer months.