Fiery Skipper
Common NameFiery Skipper
Scientific NameHylephila phyleus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)31.5
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black
HabitatOpen fields, grasslands, lawns, gardens, parks, roadsides
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, extending west to California, south through Mexico and Central America to South America. Migrates north into Canada.
Host PlantsBermuda grass, St. Augustine grass, various other grasses
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer climates (e.g., Florida), May to October in northern parts of its range
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with a dark head, feeding on grasses and constructing shelters by tying leaves together. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsMales are easily identified by their bright orange coloration and distinct black stigma on the forewing. Females are browner but still exhibit orange markings. All skippers have characteristic hooked antennae and a rapid, darting flight.
Description
A small, robust skipper with bright fiery orange forewings in males, featuring a prominent black stigma, and duller orange-brown hindwings. Females are generally duller brown with orange markings.
