Northern Broken-Dash
Common NameNorthern Broken-Dash
Scientific NameWallengrenia egeremet
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)33
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, yellowish-brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, fields, meadows, roadsides
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Nebraska
Host Plantslittle bluestem, big bluestem, switchgrass, purpletop
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae are green with a dark head, feeding on grasses and constructing shelters. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon within a leaf shelter, and the species overwinters as a larva.
Identification TipsLook for the dark brown coloration and the distinctive pattern of hyaline white spots on the forewing. Females lack the prominent stigma found on males. Often confused with the Southern Broken-Dash, but typically has a more distinct yellowish patch on the underside hindwing.
Description
A medium-sized, dark brown skipper with prominent, translucent white spots on the forewings and a robust, hairy body. The hindwings may show a faint yellowish-brown wash.
