Common Sooty Wing (Pholisora catullus)

This common small black/brown butterfly can appear early in April and persist in the garden until late September. Sooty Wings generally land with their wings spread. The size, dark color and numerous white spots on the forewing and head make it easy to identify. In the garden they visit a variety of flowers for nectar. They prefer open weedy habitats and early in the spring visit dandelions and a variety of clover for nectar. The primary larval food plant in Ohio is lamb's-quarters, a common weed in disturbed areas as well as the BFEC gardens.