Description
The Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis) is a small, dark brown butterfly with mottled white and gray markings on its wings, commonly found in dry, open woodlands, savannas, and areas with plenty of its host plants, such as New Jersey tea, across parts of eastern and central North America. This species is rare across it’s range and I’ve only seen it once — in Colorado — and this blurry picture is that.
Range
Eastern 1/3 of the state, though it hasn’t been sighted in more than 20 years.
Similar Species
The intense mottling makes this species stand out.
Host Plants
New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) and Redroot (Ceanothus herbaceus)
Flight
May and June