Meridian Duskywing (Erynnis meridianus Bell)
Wing span: 1 5/8 - 1 7/8 inches (4.2 - 4.8 cm).
Identification: Fringes of hindwing are pale-tipped. Wings are black. Pattern on upperside of forewing has very little contrast with background. Transparent spots are small in the male, large in the female. Underside of hindwing is a uniform brown; spots below apex are very small or absent. Male has a costal fold containing yellow scent scales; female has a patch of scent scales on the 7th abdominal segment.
Life history: Males perch on hilltops to wait for females. Fully-grown caterpillars hibernate.
Flight: Two broods from March-September in the Southwest.
Caterpillar hosts: Arizona white oak (Quercus arizonica) and plateau oak (Q. fusiformis); perhaps others.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Oak thickets in foothills.
Range: Southern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas south to Mexico City.
