Erynnis pacuvius lilius

Photo Life History: Erynnis pacuvius lilius

Habitat:  Mountain Canyons; Just below Mountain Hilltops

Host Plants:  Ceanothus velutinus

Suitable Lab Host Plants: Ceanothus spp.

How to Find Female Butterflies:  Click here.

How to Care for Live Female Butterflies:  Click here.

Methods of Female Oviposition:  

How to Find Eggs:

How to Hatch Eggs: Consolidate eggs into one container

How to Find Caterpillars in the Field: Look for Skipper Nests. Larvae are not too difficult to find host plant when adult flights have been strong.

Caterpillar setups: Open terrariums; Open Bucket;

Larva to Pupa:  Larva Changes Color prior to hibernating as a larva.  It will pupate and emerge the next spring.

How to Find Pupae in the Field:  Look for Skipper Nests.  Larvae will sometimes pupate in their nests.

Number of Broods per Year: 1

Overwintering Stage:  Mature Fifth Instar Larva

Overwintering Strategies: Your Own Backyard; Refrigerator

Post-Hibernation Strategies:  Expose mature last instar larvae to warmer temperatures, long-day photoperiod, and humidity.  They should pupate within 14 days of being exposed to these conditions.

Avoiding Diapause Techniques:  

Disease Prevention:   Change out host plant and remove frass every four or five days. 

Emergence:  Emergence Container

Field Notes:  Population numbers can fluctuate in the Northern Utah Wasatch Range.