Small, fast, and easy to overlook, the Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis) is another wonderful example of why native plants matter.
With its mottled brown-and-gray wings, this little skipper blends beautifully into its surroundings. But its most important connection may be with a group of native shrubs—Ceanothus, including New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus). 🌿
🐛 New Jersey tea is a host plant for the Mottled Duskywing. Females lay their eggs on Ceanothus, providing the caterpillars with the food they need to grow and develop.
That means planting New Jersey tea does more than provide flowers for visiting pollinators. It can help support a butterfly through an entirely different stage of its life cycle.
🌼 This is why host plants matter.
A garden filled only with nectar flowers may feed adult butterflies, but butterflies also need the right plants for their caterpillars. By including native host plants, we can create landscapes where butterflies can feed, reproduce, and complete their life cycle.
💚 Plant for the butterfly—and don’t forget to plant for the caterpillar!
Photo: Wildlife Preservation Canada
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