Discover the Wallengrenia egeremet, a rare and captivating butterfly species also known as the Northern Broken-Dash. Native to North America, this elusive beauty boasts a wingspan of 25-39 mm and a distinct dark brown upperside. Though generally uncommon, it can sometimes be found in local concentrations, adding a touch of mystique to its allure.
Venture into the natural habitats of Wallengrenia egeremet, which include forest edges as well as the peripheries of hammocks and swamps. The larvae of this species feed on various Panicum species, while the adults are nectar enthusiasts, favoring white, pink, or purple flowers. Often mistaken for the Little Glassywing and Dun Skipper, the Wallengrenia egeremet distinguishes itself with its slow, graceful flight.
Wallengrenia Egeremet: The Species
Wallengrenia egeremet, also recognized as the Northern Broken Dash, is an exquisite butterfly species that is a member of the Hesperiidae family. Indigenous to North America, its habitat spans from southern Maine to southeastern North Dakota and extends from central Florida to southeastern Texas. Characterized by its leisurely flight and unique perching habits, this butterfly offers a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts.
With a wingspan ranging between 25-39 mm, adult Northern Broken Dash butterflies are typically active from June to August across most of their geographic range. They produce a single generation annually, with the first sightings often occurring in the final week of June. Their flight season usually extends until early August, peaking in numbers during the early part of July.
The larvae primarily consume leaves and enter a hibernation phase when half-grown. Occasionally, the species experiences significant population surges, with counts exceeding 1000 individuals in some instances. Serving as a vital indicator for environmental health, the Northern Broken Dash is sensitive to changes in its habitat.
Physical Characteristics
Male Characteristics
Wallengrenia Egeremet, commonly known as the Northern Broken-dash, has a wingspan of 1 to 1.5 inches. The male’s forewing is mainly dark brown with a dull orange-yellow on the leading edge. The dark stigma is divided into a dot-like segment near the body followed by a dash-like segment. A small rectangular orange spot extends from the outer end of stigma. The males have orange markings on their forewings near the stigma.
Female Characteristics
The female Northern Broken-dash has a similar appearance to the male, but with cream-colored markings on her forewings. The underside of the wings is brown with elongated cream spots. The females have a pale band of spots on their wings. The stigma is divided into a dot-like segment near the body followed by a dash-like segment, but it is less visible than in males. The females have pink and purple-brown on their wings.
Habitat and Range
North America
Wallengrenia egeremet, also known as the northern broken dash, is a butterfly species found in North America. Its range extends from southern Maine and southern Ontario, west across the Great Lakes states to southeastern North Dakota, south to central Florida, the Gulf Coast, and southeastern Texas.
Specific Locations
The species can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands and meadows. The larvae feed on various Panicum species, including Panicum clandestinum and Panicum dichotomum.
In North America, the northern broken dash is mainly found in the following locations:
- Southern Maine
- Southern Ontario
- Great Lakes states
- Southeastern North Dakota
- Central Florida
- Gulf Coast
- Southeastern Texas
Fresh individuals of the species may show a slight reddish tinge, with a variable, light spot-band. The male has some orange on the leading edge and a stigma that appears broken into two parts. The wingspan of the species is 25-39 mm, and adults are on wing from June to August in one generation in most of the range. However, there are two generations with adults on wing from May to October in the deep south and eastern Texas.
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Behavior and Lifestyle
Flight and Movement
Wallengrenia Egeremet, also known as the Northern Broken Dash, is a butterfly species that belongs to the Hesperiidae family. Their flight period lasts from June to August, and they usually have only one generation per year. The wingspan of the adults ranges from 25 to 39 mm.
Northern Broken Dashes are known for their quick and erratic movements. They have a rapid, darting flight and often fly low to the ground. They tend to fly in meadows and other open areas.
Feeding Habits
Northern Broken Dashes feed on nectar from various flowers, including those of the Dun Skipper and Little Glassywing. They have a preference for purple flowers.
Adults have a section of scent cells located on their forewings, called the stigma. The male Northern Broken Dash has orange markings near its stigma, while the female has cream-colored markings on her forewings.
The females lay their eggs on the underside of leaves, and the larvae feed on grasses. Northern Broken Dashes occur in North America, from southern Maine and southern Ontario to southeastern North Dakota, south to central Florida, the Gulf Coast, and southeastern Texas. They are not common and are usually found in low abundance.
Lifecycle
Caterpillar Stage
Wallengrenia Egeremet, also known as the Northern Broken Dash, has a unique lifecycle. The caterpillar stage of this butterfly species lasts for a few months, from September to October. During this time, the caterpillars feed on the leaves of panic grasses, which are abundant in nature.
Half-grown caterpillars hibernate during the winter months, and they resume feeding in the spring. They continue to grow until they reach their full size, which is about 1 to 1.5 inches.
Adult Stage
The adult stage of Wallengrenia Egeremet is equally fascinating. Adults have a slow flight and are usually seen in the early morning. Males perch up to 6 feet above the ground to wait for females.
Adults feed on the nectar of flowers, and they are particularly attracted to purple flowers. They are also known to feed on the nectar of goldenrod, asters, and other wildflowers.
Male Wallengrenia Egeremet has orange markings on its forewings near its stigma, while the female has cream-colored markings on her forewings.
Conservation Status
Wallengrenia egeremet, commonly known as Northern Broken Dash, is a butterfly species that is found in North America. It is typically found in areas with tall grasses, such as prairies, meadows, and fields. The conservation status of this species is currently classified as G5, which means that it is considered to be globally secure.
Despite its secure status, conservation efforts are still necessary to ensure that populations of this butterfly species remain stable. Habitat loss due to human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, and logging is a significant threat to the species. In addition, the use of pesticides and herbicides can also harm the butterfly’s habitat and food sources.
Efforts to conserve the Northern Broken Dash have been ongoing, and several organizations have taken steps to protect the species. For example, the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve in Manitoba, Canada, has been established to protect the butterfly’s habitat. Additionally, conservation groups have been working to educate the public on the importance of preserving the species and its habitat.
Although the Northern Broken Dash is currently considered to be globally secure, continued conservation efforts are necessary to ensure that this beautiful butterfly remains a part of North America’s natural heritage.
Identification and Observation
Wallengrenia Egeremet, also known as the Northern Broken-Dash, is a rare and beautiful butterfly found in North America. Here are some key characteristics and observations to help identify this species:
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Identification: The Northern Broken-Dash has a wingspan of 1 to 1.5 inches and is brown on its upper and underside. The male has orange markings on its forewings near its stigma, while the female has cream-colored markings on her forewings. The hind wing of the Northern Broken-Dash is squared off, which helps distinguish it from similar-looking species.
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Observation: To observe the Northern Broken-Dash, it’s best to explore its resident habitats, which include meadows, fields, and woodland edges. Look for the butterfly from mid-June to mid-August, when it’s most active. Using binoculars can help you get a closer look at the Northern Broken-Dash and its distinguishing features.
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Sightings: The Northern Broken-Dash is not commonly sighted, and its distribution is limited. It is found in North America from southern Maine and southern Ontario, west across the Great Lakes states to southeastern North Dakota, south to central Florida, the Gulf Coast, and southeastern Texas.
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Scudder’s Notes: Samuel Hubbard Scudder, an American entomologist, described the Northern Broken-Dash in 1863. He noted that the butterfly was “not common” and “difficult to capture,” observations that still hold true today.
Scientific Classification and References
Wallengrenia egeremet, commonly known as the Northern Broken-dash, is a species of skipper butterfly belonging to the family Hesperiidae. Here’s the scientific classification of the species:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Hesperiidae |
| Genus | Wallengrenia |
| Species | Wallengrenia egeremet |
The Northern Broken-dash has a wingspan of 1 to 1.5 inches and is brown on its upperside and underside. The male has orange markings on its forewings near its stigma. The stigma is a section of scent cells located on the forewings of the males of some species of butterflies. The female has cream-colored markings on her forewings.
The larvae of Wallengrenia egeremet feed on various Panicum species, including Panicum clandestinum and Panicum virgatum. This species is found in North America from southern Maine and southern Ontario, west across the Great Lakes states to southeastern North Dakota, south to central Florida, the Gulf Coast, and southeastern Texas.
If you’re interested in learning more about Wallengrenia egeremet, you can refer to the following references:
- Opler, P. A., & Warren, A. D. (2003). Butterflies of North America. 2. Scientific Names List for Butterfly Species of North America, north of Mexico.
- Scott, J. A. (1986). The Butterflies of North America: A Natural History and Field Guide. Stanford University Press.
- Wallengrenia egeremet on GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)
Interactions with Plants
Food Sources
Wallengrenia Egeremet is known to feed on a variety of plants throughout its range. Some of the plants that are commonly used as food sources include purple flowers, dogbane, clover, new jersey tea, dichotomum, red clover, sweet pepperbush, and scrub. The larvae of the butterfly feed on the leaves of these plants, while the adults feed on the nectar of their flowers.
Hibernation Sites
During the winter months, Wallengrenia Egeremet hibernates in a variety of locations, including under leaves, in hollow trees, and in other protected areas. The butterfly is able to survive the winter months by slowing down its metabolism and conserving energy. When spring arrives, the butterfly emerges from hibernation and begins to mate and lay eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name for Wallengrenia Egeremet?
The scientific name for Wallengrenia Egeremet is Wallengrenia egeremet. It belongs to the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Hesperiinae.
What is the habitat of Wallengrenia Egeremet?
Wallengrenia Egeremet is found in North America, from southern Maine and southern Ontario, west across the Great Lakes states to southeastern North Dakota, south to central Florida, the Gulf Coast, and southeastern Texas. Their habitat includes open woodlands, fields, and meadows.
What is the lifespan of Wallengrenia Egeremet?
The lifespan of Wallengrenia Egeremet is not well-known. However, adults are on wing from June to August in one generation in most of the range.
What are the distinguishing features of Wallengrenia Egeremet?
Wallengrenia Egeremet has a wingspan of 25-39 mm. It has a dark brown color with a slight reddish tinge, and a variable, light spot-band. The male has some orange on the leading edge and a stigma that appears broken into two parts.
What is the diet of Wallengrenia Egeremet?
The caterpillars of Wallengrenia Egeremet feed on leaves. Half-grown caterpillars hibernate.
How rare is Wallengrenia Egeremet in the wild?
Wallengrenia Egeremet is considered rare in the wild. It is not commonly seen, and its population is declining due to habitat loss and other factors.
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