Fabulous Skipper
Common NameFabulous Skipper
Scientific NameAmblyscirtes fimbriata
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, grassy clearings, canyons
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and northern Mexico
Host Plantsvarious grasses
Flight PeriodApril to July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike other skippers, the Fabulous Skipper undergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae feed on grasses, pupating before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsLook for the dark brown wings with a distinct pattern of white rectangular spots on the forewings. The small size and rapid, darting flight are characteristic of skippers.
Description
A small, dark brown skipper with prominent white rectangular spots on the forewings and a paler, often unmarked, underside. Its antennae have distinctive hooked clubs.
