Lilac Grass-skipper
Common NameLilac Grass-skipper
Scientific NameAmblyscirtes hegon
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, lilac, white
HabitatMoist woodlands, forest edges, clearings, often near streams or bogs
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Georgia and west to the Great Plains
Host PlantsPanic Grass (Panicum spp.), Wood Reed (Cinna arundinacea)
Flight PeriodLate April to early July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses, constructing shelters by tying leaves together, and overwinter as pupae or mature larvae.
Identification TipsLook for the dark brown upperwings with small, pale spots, and the diagnostic purplish-brown or lilac underside of the hindwings. Like other skippers, it has a robust body and hooked antennae.
Description
A small, dark brown skipper with a distinctive purplish or lilac sheen on the underside of its hindwings, and a few small, pale spots on the forewings.
