Species Insects & ArthropodsMournful Duskywing

Mournful Duskywing

Erynnis tristis

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Mournful Duskywing (Erynnis tristis)

The Mournful Duskywing is a medium-sized dark brown skipper of California's oak woodlands with white fringe on the hindwing giving a margined appearance. It is closely associated with native oaks and is among the most common duskywings in California. Adults perch on rocks and bare soil along paths in oak-covered hillsides.

Habitat
Oak woodlands, chaparral, and canyon edges of California
Diet
Larvae: oak foliage. Adults: nectar from flowers
How common
Common

Best time to see a Mournful Duskywing

The best time to see a Mournful Duskywing is April–August, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 7,525 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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