Propertius Duskywing (Erynnis propertius [Scudder & Burgess])
Wing span: 1 3/8 - 1 3/4 inches (3.5 - 4.5 cm).
Identification: Upperside brown; forewings with gray overscaling and distinct dark markings. Clear spots are small in the male, large in the female. Underside of hindwing has well-defined spots below the apex. 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 sunny hilltops to find females. Fully-grown caterpillars hibernate.
Flight: One brood from March-July.
Caterpillar hosts: Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), Garry oak (Q. garryana), and perhaps others.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Open oak woodlands, forest openings and edges, meadows and fields near oaks. Does not occur in deserts or hot central valleys.
Range: Southern British Columbia south along the Pacific Slope to Baja California Norte.
