Mulberry Wing
Common NameMulberry Wing
Scientific NamePoanes massasoit
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, yellow
HabitatWet meadows, bogs, fens, marshes
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Ontario and Quebec south to New Jersey and west to Michigan and Wisconsin.
Host PlantsCarex stricta, Carex lacustris, Carex walteriana
Flight PeriodLate June to early August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host sedges. Larvae feed on the sedges, overwintering as partially grown larvae, and pupate the following spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark brown wings with a distinct pattern of yellow-orange rectangular spots on the forewing. The underside of the hindwing is typically unmarked or has very faint spots, contrasting with similar species.
Description
A small, robust skipper with dark brown wings featuring prominent, rectangular yellow-orange spots on the forewings. The body is hairy and brown.
