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This relatively small duskywing, with a wing span of 2.9 - 3.8 cm, has a relatively long, terminal segment on the palps (mouth parts) that can be seen extending from the head, pointing forward. It also has a bright gray patch along the margin of the forewing. Its wings are black; forewings are dusted with gray scales and have bands of dark spots. Male has a costal fold containing yellow scent scales; female has a patch of scent scales on her abdomen.
From May to early July you may see male Dreamy Duskywings perched in woodland openings, flats or edges of the woods seeking to mate. Females lay eggs singly on host plants, such as aspens, poplars or birch leaves. Caterpillars are pale green, with a dark dorsal stripe and paler lateral stripes; the head is black with two large brown patches. They feed on leaves and rest in leaf nests. Fully-grown caterpillars hibernate in leaf shelters.
Adult feed on the nectar from flowers of Blueberry, Blackberry, Lupine, Purple Vetch, and Wild Strawberry. But more often, you will see them when they land on the ground, in sandy or muddy areas of the Algonquin Highlands.
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DREAMY DUSKYWING
Erynnis icelus
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