Wild Indigo Duskywing in the yard

I was pleased to see a Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae) in my front garden the other day. Better yet, at least two females have been laying eggs on my Wild Blue Indigo (Baptisia australis). I hope to find caterpillars later. Long ago, this skipper was much scarcer in Ohio, as it only used indigos in the genus Baptisia. We have but three species, and all are rare and local. After the nonnative Crown Vetch (Securigera varia) began to be planted for erosion control, the duskywing numbers skyrocketed as it will use the vetch as a host plant. It's far more satisfying to see Wild Indigo Duskywings associated with their namesake plant, though.

This indigo photo is of the same plant that the duskywings are laying eggs on. I took the image two springs ago, when the plant was in peak bloom. Now it is heavily laden with fruit pods. It has grown into a shrub, and is stunning when in flower, and looks quite good even when not in bloom. Highly recommended for the gardenscape.