Hoary Palmer
Common NameHoary Palmer
Scientific NameAmblyscirtes hegon
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white, gray
HabitatMoist woodlands, forest edges, clearings, stream banks
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Georgia and west to Texas
Host PlantsPoa, Agrostis, Panicum
Flight PeriodApril to August (varies by latitude, typically May-June in north, multiple broods in south)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses, creating shelters by tying leaves together. Overwinters as a pupa or mature larva.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark brown upperwings with small white forewing spots, and the frosted gray-brown hindwing underside with a broad white band. Like other skippers, it has a robust body and hooked antennae.
Description
A small, dark brown skipper with a distinctive frosted or 'hoary' gray-brown underside to the hindwings, featuring a prominent white band.
