Juvenal’s Duskywing
Female - April 2026
The Juvenal’s Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis) is NJ’s earliest flying duskywing species and can be found from mid-March through late June.
Male - April 2026
This species seems to have the most well-defined and boldest wing patterns and shimmering spots of any NJ duskywing in my experience. Females have pronounced mottling on the forewings and the largest spots of any species in the state. Males are similar with slightly less vivid markings and spots. Horace’s resemble this species very closely, but I tend to find Juvenal’s much earlier in the season - between April and May. Note the cool rainbow that appears in the sunlight on the female from 2026, and the lavender flecks on some of the male’s scaling!!
Female ovipositing on oak leaf - April 2026
I’ve seen Juvenal’s at a few locations over the years but they are very consistent at one of my favorite spots right near an open trail where there are tons of these oak trees (their host plant). I was lucky enough to observe this female ovipositing under an oak leaf this year as pictured here.
May 2022
Many times males or females will perch on the branches or leaves to defend their territory. They can be quite high up or even right near the ground. They will then chase other duskywings, pollinators or even photographers and then return to the same or a nearby perch.
May 2022
When there are high numbers the chases can get quite intense. I’ve seen three of these guys spinning through the air and even bouncing off of each other. This year I saw a group of 4 species (Eastern Comma, Mourning Cloak, Red Admiral, and Juvenal’s Duskywing) all swirling in chase to compete for basking spots!!
April 2026
