Axehead Skipper
Common NameAxehead Skipper
Scientific NamePoanes zabulon
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsorange, dark brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, suburban areas, parks
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern New England west to Nebraska, south to Florida and Texas
Host PlantsPoa, Elymus, Dactylis, Eragrostis, Microstegium
Flight PeriodApril to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses and overwinter before pupating in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsMales have a prominent orange 'axehead' or 'hook' shaped mark on the forewing. Females are generally darker brown with more subdued orange markings, sometimes with a pale spot band.
Description
A small to medium-sized skipper with bright orange and dark brown wings, featuring a distinctive 'axehead' shaped orange mark on the forewing of the male.
