Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades)

Description: This is a large, tawny brown skipper with distinct white spots on the upper side of the forewing and a frosted appearance on the underside of the hindwing. Northern Cloudywing is similar in appearance and behavior to Dreamy and Juvenal’s Duskywing. Dreamy Duskywing is smaller, lacks white spots on the forewing and, when fresh, has a greyish band on the upperside of the forewing. Juvenal’s Duskywing is darker, has a more mottled appearance and lacks the frosted underside. Wingspan: 28 to 38 mm.

Maritime Distribution: Found mainly in southwestern and central New Brunswick. Prior to the Atlas there were a handful of very old records from northern Nova Scotia. For Atlas results click here.

Provincial Ranks: NB: S5. NS: S2S3. PEI: -.

Flight Period: Mid May to early July.

Host Plant: A variety of legumes (Fabaceae). It has been observed laying eggs on vetch (Vicia spp.) and Beach Pea (Lathyrus japonicus).

Notes: The Northern Cloudywing is found in a variety of open forest and meadow habitats. It has a strong flight and regularly visits flowers. The species is highly colonial and it is often locally common.