Crossline Skipper
Common NameCrossline Skipper
Scientific NamePolites origenes
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsbrown, tan
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open fields, roadsides, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern and central North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to the Great Plains
Host Plantsbig bluestem, little bluestem, switchgrass, various other grasses
Flight PeriodJune to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses, creating shelters by tying leaves together, and overwinter as partially grown larvae. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the tawny-brown upper and underside. Males have a distinctive dark, oblique stigma on the forewing. Females are similar but lack the stigma and may be slightly darker.
Description
A small to medium-sized skipper, typically tawny brown with a relatively plain underside. Males are distinguished by a prominent dark, oblique stigma (the 'crossline') on the forewing.
