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A relative large skipper (wingspan 28 to 38mm) that is most similar to our duskywing skippers (Erynnis spp.), but the Northern Cloudywing has even, dark brown forewing uppersides, not mottled like the duskywings. The sharply curved-back antennal clubs will also distinguish this species.

The eggs are pale green (Bird et al. 1995), and larvae are dark green with a brownish ventral line and paler lateral lines (Layberry et al. 1998). The mature larvae feed and overwinter in shelters made from the host plant leaves (Layberry et al. 1998). Males exhibit perching behaviour to await females, and will chase off other butterflies entering their territory (McCabe & Post 1977, Acorn 1993).

The larval hostplant in Alberta is unrecorded. Elsewhere, this species feeds on various herbaceous legumes such as vetches and clovers (Hooper 1973, Opler 1999). Adults nectar at legume flowers such as vetch, alfalfa (Hooper 1973) and locoweed (McCabe & Post 1977). Adults sip moisture at damp earth (Bird et al. 1995).