Mournful Duskywing (Erynnis tristis) is in the Skippers family (Hesperiidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 7,892 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in August.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: summer visitor / breeder. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Mournful Duskywing: observations by month (U.S.)
About Mournful Duskywing
Erynnis tristis, the mournful duskywing, is a species of spread-wing skipper in the family of butterflies known as Hesperiidae. It is found in Central America, North America, and South America.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Mournful Duskywing by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 6,260 | August | Mar–Oct |
| Texas | 1,275 | October | Sep–Nov |
| Arizona | 327 | August | Jun–Sep |
| New Mexico | 29 | September | Jun–Sep |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related butterflies (Skippers)
Fiery Skipper
Silver-spotted Skipper
Huron Skipper
Zabulon Skipper
Peck's Skipper
Horace's Duskywing
Clouded Skipper
Long-tailed Skipper
Photography tips
- Butterflies are sluggish on cool mornings — the best time for close approaches.
- Keep the sensor parallel to the wings for edge-to-edge sharpness.
- Nectar plants in bloom are reliable places to wait.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Mournful Duskywing?
Nationally, August has the most observations, with the main season from March to October.
Where is Mournful Duskywing most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Texas, Arizona.