Pholisora catullus
Scientific NamePholisora catullus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
HabitatThis butterfly prefers open, sunny, and often disturbed areas such as fields, roadsides, prairies, gardens, and other weedy habitats. It is frequently found in areas where its host plants, primarily pigweeds and goosefoots, are abundant.
Geographic RangeThe Common Sootywing is widely distributed across much of North America, ranging from southern Canada through the majority of the United States (excluding parts of the Pacific Northwest and extreme Southeast) and extending into Mexico.
Conservation StatusLeast Concern (Globally Secure)
Description
The Common Sootywing is a small, dark brown to black skipper butterfly characterized by small, often indistinct, white spots on its forewings. The underside is typically similar in color but may be slightly paler. It has a distinctive fast and erratic flight pattern. This species is often found in open, disturbed habitats.
