Brown-banded Skipper
Common NameBrown-banded Skipper
Scientific NameAmblyscirtes vialis
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)27
Primary Colorsdark brown, light brown, grayish-brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, roadsides, prairies, fields
Geographic RangeEastern and central North America, from southern Canada south to the Gulf Coast states and west to the Rocky Mountains
Host Plantslittle bluestem, big bluestem, switchgrass, various prairie grasses
Flight PeriodApril to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses, constructing shelters by tying leaves together. They overwinter as pupae or mature larvae.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall dark brown appearance with subtle mottling on forewings and the characteristic wavy, lighter brown bands on the hindwings. The antennae have hooked clubs typical of skippers.
Description
A small, dark brown skipper with mottled forewings and distinct wavy, lighter brown bands on the hindwings. Its body is also dark brown and hairy.
