# Propertius Duskywing (*Erynnis propertius*) The Propertius Duskywing is a small, brown butterfly with beautiful patterns on its wings. It loves to flutter around flowers and is often seen in sunny spots in nature. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Open fields and woodlands ![Propertius Duskywing](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Erynnis_propertius_%28Propertius_Duskywing%29_%287437712788%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: S. Rae (back from hols, catching up) from Scotland, UK, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Erynnis_propertius_%28Propertius_Duskywing%29_%287437712788%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Propertius Duskywing has mottled dark brown and gray wings, with faint lighter patches and small, clear spots on its forewings. Its body is noticeably hairy, giving it a somewhat robust appearance. This coloration helps it blend seamlessly into the bark of oak trees and shaded forest floors. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Hesperiidae - **Genus:** Erynnis ## Interesting facts - Adults are super quick and dart around so fast they're tricky to follow! - Despite their 'duskywing' name, they love flying during the sunniest parts of the day! - It lays tiny eggs on oak leaves, creating nurseries for its hungry caterpillars! - This butterfly is one of the very first to appear in spring, sometimes when it's still chilly! ## Special abilities - **Stealth Disguise:** Propertius Duskywing has patterned brown and gray wings that help them disappear against tree bark and dry leaves. - **Oak Leaf Muncher:** Propertius Duskywing caterpillars can eat tough oak leaves because their digestive system is specialized for this. - **Early Bird Flyer:** Propertius Duskywing can emerge and fly in early spring, because they complete their life cycle quickly. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 32-41 mm - **Size:** 15-20 mm - **Lifespan:** 14-30 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adults sip sweet flower nectar, while caterpillars munch on tough oak leaves to grow. - **Age differences:** Larvae eat oak leaves, while adults exclusively feed on flower nectar. - **Primary Foods:** flower nectar, Quercus agrifolia leaves, Quercus douglasii leaves - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Coast Live Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coast-live-oak) (*Quercus agrifolia*) — Caterpillars feed on its leaves. - **Pollinates:** [California Phacelia](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-phacelia) (*Phacelia californica*) — Adults visit its flowers for nectar. - **Eaten by:** [Steller's Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/stellers-jay) (*Cyanocitta stelleri*) — Adults and caterpillars can be prey. - **Eats:** Blue Oak (*Quercus douglasii*) — Another primary host plant for larvae. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch butterflies from a distance so you don't scare them away. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Propertius Duskywing? Compare the wing outline, spots, bands, eyespots and wing edges. The underside can look completely different from the top. Check for tails, the antennae and where the markings sit instead of relying on color alone. Butterfly Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Propertius Duskywing's wingspan? 32-41 mm ### How big is Propertius Duskywing? 15-20 mm ### How long does Propertius Duskywing live? 14-30 days ### What does Propertius Duskywing eat? Adults sip sweet flower nectar, while caterpillars munch on tough oak leaves to grow. ### Where is Propertius Duskywing usually found? Open fields and woodlands ### How does Propertius Duskywing hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Propertius Duskywing have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/burgoyne-bay-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park - [Mount Maxwell Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mount-maxwell-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Propertius Duskywing: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/propertius-duskywing)