Northern White-Skipper
Common NameNorthern White-Skipper
Scientific NameHeliopetes ericetorum
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, grey, black
HabitatOpen, dry areas, disturbed sites, fields, canyons, washes
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south to Baja California, east to Colorado and Texas
Host PlantsSphaeralcea, Malva, Alcea, Sidalcea
Flight PeriodMarch to October (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a dark head, feeding on mallow leaves and constructing leaf shelters. Pupation occurs within a loose cocoon on the host plant.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its mostly white wings with distinct dark marginal markings and a greyish-blue body. The underside of the hindwing is typically white with faint grey markings, often with a small dark spot near the base.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with predominantly white wings, featuring dark grey to black markings along the wing margins and a few faint spots on the forewings. The body is hairy and greyish-blue.
