Dun Skipper
Common NameDun Skipper
Scientific NameEuphyes vestris
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsdark brown, reddish-brown
HabitatWet meadows, marshes, stream banks, open woodlands, moist grassy areas
Geographic RangeSouthern Canada, eastern and central United States, west to California
Host Plantsrice cutgrass, sedges
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae are green with a dark head, feeding on grasses and creating leaf shelters. They overwinter as partially grown larvae, pupating in a cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include its uniformly dark brown coloration, especially the hindwings, and the lack of prominent pale spots (though females may have very faint ones). Males possess a black stigma on the forewing.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with uniformly dark brown wings, often exhibiting a subtle reddish-brown or golden sheen on the forewings. Its robust body is hairy and dark brown, matching the wings.
