Heath Ochre
Common NameHeath Ochre
Scientific NameTrapezites lutea
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyTrapezitinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, yellow
HabitatHeathlands, open forests, woodlands, coastal areas
Geographic RangeSoutheastern Australia (New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania)
Host PlantsGahnia radula, Gahnia filum, Gahnia sieberiana
Flight PeriodSeptember to March (spring to autumn)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae construct shelters by tying leaves together and pupate within these shelters.
Identification TipsLook for its robust body, hooked antennae, and the distinctive orange-yellow band across the brown forewing. The faint dark spots on the hindwing underside are also characteristic.
Description
A small to medium-sized skipper with a brown upperside, featuring a prominent orange-yellow band on the forewing. The underside is lighter brown with faint dark spots on the hindwing.
