Chestnut-marked Skipper
Common NameChestnut-marked Skipper
Scientific NameAmblyscirtes hegon
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forest edges, clearings, and along streams
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Georgia and west to Minnesota and eastern Texas
Host PlantsPanic Grass (Dichanthelium spp.), various broad-leaved grasses
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grass blades, creating shelters, and typically overwinter as pupae or mature larvae.
Identification TipsIdentify by the dark brown wings with distinct translucent white spots on the forewings and strongly hooked antennae. The underside of the hindwing is uniformly dark brown, lacking spots.
Description
A small, dark brown skipper with prominent, somewhat translucent white spots on the forewings and a hairy, dark brown body. The hindwings are mostly unmarked.
