Baracoa Skipper
Common NameBaracoa Skipper
Scientific NameWallengrenia baracoa
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, tan
HabitatOpen grassy areas, fields, roadsides, pine flatwoods
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (Florida, Georgia), Cuba, Bahamas
Host PlantsStenotaphrum secundatum, Paspalum distichum
Flight PeriodYear-round in south Florida; multiple broods from spring to fall elsewhere
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae are green with a dark head, feeding on grass blades and constructing shelters. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished from similar skippers by the relatively plain, mottled brown and tan underside of the hindwing, lacking prominent spots or bands. The forewing upperside has a distinct tawny patch. Antennae have a characteristic hooked club.
Description
A small, robust skipper with a hairy, yellowish-brown body. The forewings are largely tawny orange with dark brown margins, while the hindwings and underside are mottled brown and tan.
