Description
The Persius Duskywing (Erynnis persius) is a small, dark brown butterfly with faintly checkered wings and subtle white spots, typically found in open woodlands, prairies, and fields, often near lupine and wild indigo, across parts of North America. Likely no longer found in Minnesota. The images above are from Colorado.
Range
This species has likely been extirpated from the state. It was only known from one site in southeastern Minnesota, and efforts to find it recently have failed.
Similar Species
Resembles Columbine and Wild Indigo Duskywings. Persius has a straight line of white marks at the tip of the wing whereas the others have those spots disjointed. But since it likely doesn’t exist in the state any longer, it’s very unlikely you would need to ID this species.
Host Plants
Lupine (Lupinus), golden banner (Thermopsis)
Flight
May-July