Field Skipper
Common NameField Skipper
Scientific NameAtalopedes campestris
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, brown
HabitatOpen fields, meadows, grasslands, roadsides, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern Canada, United States (except Pacific Northwest), Mexico
Host PlantsBermuda grass, crabgrass, various other lawn grasses
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 constructing shelters from tied grass blades. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the tawny-orange upper and underside coloration, especially on the hindwings. Males are distinguished by a prominent, elongated black stigma on the forewing. Antennae have characteristic hooked clubs.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with tawny-orange wings, often marked with darker brown, and a robust, hairy body. Males have a prominent black stigma on the forewing.
