Fasciolata Skipper
Common NameFasciolata Skipper
Scientific NameHesperia comma fasciolata
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)33
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorstan, dark brown
HabitatOpen grassy areas, meadows, subalpine and alpine regions
Geographic RangeWestern North America, including mountainous regions from British Columbia south to California and east to Colorado
Host Plantsfescue, bluegrass, brome grass
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various grasses, creating shelters from tied leaves. They overwinter as partially grown larvae and pupate in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the light brown ground color with distinct dark brown spots on the forewings. Like other skippers, it has a robust body, short wings, and characteristic hooked antennae clubs.
Description
A small, robust skipper with light brown to tan wings marked with prominent dark brown, somewhat rectangular spots on the forewings. Its body is hairy and light brown.
