Leonard's Skipper
Common NameLeonard's Skipper
Scientific NameHesperia leonardus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)38.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, brown, pale yellow
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, meadows, prairies, powerline clearings
Geographic RangeEastern and central North America, from southern Canada south to the Gulf Coast states, west to the Great Plains
Host Plantsbig bluestem, little bluestem, switchgrass, indiangrass
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses and construct shelters from leaves, overwintering as partially grown larvae before pupating in a leaf shelter.
Identification TipsLook for the rich orange-brown upperside with a distinct band of pale spots on the forewing. The underside of the hindwing is typically plain dull brown, lacking the strong markings or white band found in similar *Hesperia* species.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with rich orange-brown forewings featuring a prominent band of pale yellow or white spots, and darker hindwings. The body is hairy and brownish.
