Dardaris Skipperling
Common NameDardaris Skipperling
Scientific NamePiruna dardaris
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white
HabitatArid grasslands, canyons, open woodlands, often near water
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and Mexico
Host Plantsvarious grasses (e.g., Bouteloua spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to October (often bivoltine)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs are laid on host grasses, larvae feed on leaves, pupate in a loose cocoon near the ground, and emerge as adults.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, dark brown ground color, and the specific arrangement of white rectangular spots on the forewing and the band of spots on the hindwing. Checkered fringes are also a key feature.
Description
A small, dark brown skipper with a hairy, grayish-brown body. Its wings feature prominent white rectangular spots on the forewings and a band of white spots on the hindwings, often with checkered fringes.
