Description
The Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae) is a small, dark brown butterfly with subtle purplish-blue hues and faint white spots on its wings, commonly found in open fields, meadows, and areas with wild indigo or other host plants across eastern North America.
Range
It is found mainly in the southeastern part of the state.
Similar Species
Very similar to Columbine and host plant and habitat are the best way to differentiate. If there are no columbine growing in the area, it’s probably Wild Indigo.
Host Plants
Here are the primary larval host plants: Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis), Yellow Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria), Crown Vetch (Securigera varia), White Clover (Trifolium repens), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Flight
Overwinters in chrysalis, and can emerge as early as April and can fly until August.