Wingspan: 3.0-3.4 cm.

Flight: Up to four flights occur in the state. The first ranges from mid April to early May, the second from late May to mid June, and the third from early to late July.

Status: Rare breeding resident.

Distinguishing features: The Mottled Duskywing is one of the most easily identified species in its genus. Particularly in the spring brood, the upper wing surface has a distinct mottling of light and dark brown patches.

Distribution and habitat: . Although collections are scattered across the state, it is absent from the northeastern quarter except in the vicinity of the Mississippi River. Most of the collections from south-central Iowa are mostly over 100 years old, and it is likely now absent from this region. As only two collections have been made in eastern Iowa in the last 20 years, it may soon be extirpated there as well. Its last stronghold is in the western third of the state where it is limited to xeric prairie in the Loess Hills and on gravel ridges associated with the terminal moraines and outwash channels of the Des Moines Lobe.

Natural History: This species appears limited in Iowa to dry grasslands supporting an abundance of New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus and/or C. ovatus).