Draco Skipper
Common NameDraco Skipper
Scientific NamePolites draco
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsolive-brown, pale yellow, orange-brown
HabitatMountain meadows, subalpine forests, open woodlands
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south through the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico and Arizona, and west to California
Host Plantsfescue, bluegrass
Flight PeriodJune to August
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 before pupating in a loose cocoon.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the distinctive pale, irregular band of spots on the olive-brown hindwing underside and its preference for high-elevation mountain habitats. Males also possess a prominent black stigma on the forewing upperside.
Description
This small, robust skipper has an olive-brown underside hindwing adorned with a prominent, irregular band of pale yellow or white spots. The upperside is typically orange-brown with darker markings.
