The Dreamy Duskywing is a small butterfly, that may go unseen because it blends so well with its woodland home. Dreamy Duskywings are dark brown. Their forewings have a slight outward bend on the outer edge that a similar-looking relative, the larger Sleepy Duskywing, lacks. Underneath, the forewings have ivory spots, which differ from most other Duskywings in that they are not transparent or glassy. On the top side of each forewing is a grayish band bordered in black. On the top of each hindwing are rows of light, ivory spots at the bottom edges which can be seen when the wings are spread flat.

 

“Dreamy Duskywing” by Elizabeth Nicodemus, licensed under (CC BY-SA 2.0)

 

Dreamy Duskywing Facts

Butterfly Family: Skipper (Hesperiidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Pyrginae

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

Butterfly Habitat: Woodland openings or edges

 

Dreamy Duskywing Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Willows
• Aspens
• Poplars
• Birch

Nectar Plants:

• Nectar from various flowers
  • Blueberry
  • Wild Strawberry
  • Blackberry
  • Labrador Tea
  • Dogbane
  • New Jersey Tea
  • Winter Cress
  • Purple Vetch
  • Lupine