Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 739050

Mournful Duskywing
Erynnis tristis

Observation date: August 26, 2012
Submitted by: tmorgan
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: This butterfly appeared in my home garden as I was photographing a wasp. I had time for one shot then it darted off. I read that the mourning duskywing is nearly indistinguishable from the funereal duskywing except for some subtle wing scale color variation and differences in reproductive organ morphology. I wonder if the distinguishing characteristics between these two species are based solely on morphological differences or have population genetic studies been performed? Observation occurred in a moderately urbanized habitat. Observed weather conditions: clear skies, upper 70's Fahrenheit, and a slight breeze.
Status: Resident
Verified by: Ken Davenport
Verified date: August 26, 2012
Coordinator notes: The two are actually very distinctive in shape of the wings, ground color more brown in tristis vs. black in funeralis and which there are more black and white spots on the forewing in tristis. John Burns separated them using male genitalia as well. Good photographs of fresh material on the upper side are usually easy to ID by some of us anyway.
Checklist region(s): United States, California, Orange County