Green Skipper
Common NameGreen Skipper
Scientific NameHesperia viridis
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsgreen, yellow, white
HabitatDry grasslands, prairies, open woodlands, shortgrass prairies
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from southern Canada south through the Great Plains to Texas, and west to Arizona and New Mexico.
Host PlantsBouteloua gracilis, various grasses
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses, creating shelters, and overwinter as partially grown larvae before pupating in a loose cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive olive-green to yellowish-green underside of the hindwing with large, rectangular white spots. Like other skippers, it has a stout body and hooked antennae.
Description
A small skipper with an olive-green to yellowish-green body and wings. The underside of the hindwings and forewing apex are distinctly green with prominent white rectangular spots.
