The Confused Cloudywing is often mistaken for both the Northern and Southern Cloudywings, which is how it earned its name. It has brown wings and shares the white spotting pattern found on the other two species. However, on the upperside of the forewing, the small white spot closest to the body is extended into a thin line, a key identifying feature. The face is pale, and unlike its look-alikes, it lacks any white on the antennae.

 

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Confused Cloudywing Facts

Butterfly Family: Skipper (Hesperiidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Pyrginae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 1/2 – 1 7/8 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Near swamps,  marshes, and woods in river valleys

 

🪴 Host Plants

These are the plants where females lay eggs and caterpillars feed:

• Bush Clover (Lespedeza spp.)

• Florida Hoarypea (Tephrosia florida)

• Tick Trefoil (Desmodium spp.)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

Adult Confused Cloudywings feed on nectar from the following native flowers:

• Beebalm (Monarda fistulosa)

• Blazing Star (Liatris spp.)

• Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

• Coastal Sweet-pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)

• Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)

• Ironweed (Vernonia spp.)

• Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.)

• Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum spp.)

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

• Thistles (Cirsium spp.)

• Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)