Double-dotted Skipper
Common NameDouble-dotted Skipper
Scientific NameHesperia dacotae
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorsbrown, yellowish-brown
HabitatTallgrass and mixed-grass prairies
Geographic RangeUpper Midwest US, south-central Canada
Host Plantslittle bluestem, big bluestem, sideoats grama
Flight PeriodLate June to early August
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Lifecycle NotesUnivoltine, larvae feed on grasses and overwinter partially grown, pupating in spring.
Identification TipsMales have a distinct dark stigma on the forewing; females are darker. Distinguishing from similar *Hesperia* species can be challenging.
Description
A small, robust skipper with plain brown to yellowish-brown wings, often with a dark stigma on the male forewing.
