Common Sootywing
Common NameCommon Sootywing
Scientific NamePholisora catullus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatOpen, disturbed areas, dry fields, roadsides, waste places, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern Canada, most of the United States, and northern Mexico
Host PlantsAmaranth, Lamb's quarters, Goosefoot
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae feed on the leaves, creating shelters by folding or tying leaves together. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, uniform dark brown coloration, small white spots on both wings, and the checkered pattern on the wing fringes. Like other skippers, it has stout bodies and hooked antennae.
Description
A small, dark sooty-brown skipper with small, scattered white spots on both forewings and hindwings, and a distinctive checkered fringe along the wing margins.
