Aaron's Skipper
Common NameAaron's Skipper
Scientific NamePoanes aaroni
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsbrown, orange-brown
HabitatCoastal salt marshes, brackish marshes, wet meadows
Geographic RangeAtlantic coast of the United States (New Jersey to Florida), Gulf Coast (Florida to Texas)
Host Plantssaltmarsh cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), other grasses
Flight PeriodMay to September (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grass blades, creating shelters, and overwinter as larvae before pupating in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for its uniform dull orange-brown coloration, lack of prominent spots on the forewing upperside (especially in males), and its specific preference for salt marsh habitats. Males have a prominent black stigma.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with a robust body and relatively small, uniformly dull orange-brown to brown wings, often with a slightly darker stigma on males.
