Lyell's Swift
Common NameLyell's Swift
Scientific NameHesperia lyelli
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, white
HabitatWet meadows, bogs, fens, marshy areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America (California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia)
Host PlantsCarex nudata, various sedges
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on sedges and overwinter as larvae. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for its dull brown and orange coloration with specific white forewing spots, and its preference for wet, sedge-rich habitats. Distinguish from similar *Hesperia* species by the hindwing underside pattern.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with a robust, hairy body and hooked antennae. Its wings are dull brown with an orange tint, featuring a few small white spots on the forewing.
