Alabama Butterfly Atlas

Identifying duskywings is challenging, and Zarucco Duskywings are a case in point!  This multibrooded species is difficult to distinguish from at least three other duskywing species that can occur in Alabama, and it often flies in their company.  It is most closely related to Funereal Duskywing, an occasional stray from the western U.S.  So close is the resemblance that in the past, some lepidopterists considered the two to be one species. Only the hindwing fringe color is a visual difference--Zarucco's is buffy while Funereal's is white. For more specific information about how to identify Zarucco Duskywing, click the "Get Identification Help" link above.

Zarucco Duskywing's life history is similar to that of other duskywings. Males perch around woodland openings or edges on bare twigs about 3-12 feet above the ground as they wait for females. They are highly territorial and aggressive and fly out from their perch to engage various insects who happen to fly by.  After the encounter, they return to their perch. These butterflies have a quick, low flight. When they perch, they do so with their wings fully spread.  Males sip moisture from damp ground where they sit with open wings.  They may be encountered in large puddle clubs, often in the company of other duskywings.  

Females lay eggs on or near the new growth of several legume species. At least two generations occur, with the first one or two developing directly through to adulthood. Caterpillars construct shelters of rolled leaves tied together with silk. When not feeding, they return to their retreat to hide. The final brood overwinters as final instar larvae, turning light brown and heavily silking together to form shelters.  The leaves eventually fall to the ground, and the caterpillars spend the winter in the leaf litter within the shelter. Pupation occurs in early spring.

The Zarucco Duskywing is primarily an inhabitant of the southeastern U. S. In Alabama, it is widespread and undoubtably under-reported.