Northern Broken-Dash
Common NameNorthern Broken-Dash
Scientific NameWallengrenia egeremet
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)33
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, yellowish-brown
HabitatMeadows, fields, forest edges, open woodlands, roadsides
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to the Great Plains
Host Plantspanic grass, switchgrass, big bluestem
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grass blades, creating shelters by tying leaves together, and overwinter as partially grown larvae before pupating in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the dull brown upperside with the distinctive 'broken dash' of translucent spots on the forewing. Males have a prominent black stigma. The antennae have a noticeable orange tip.
Description
This is a small to medium-sized skipper with a robust body and dull brown wings. The forewings feature a series of faint, translucent yellowish spots that form a characteristic 'broken dash' pattern.
