Pepper and Salt Skipper
Common NamePepper and Salt Skipper
Scientific NameAmblyscirtes hegon
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorsgray, brown, white
HabitatMoist woodlands, forest edges, clearings, stream banks
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Georgia and west to Minnesota and Arkansas
Host PlantsPanic Grass (Panicum spp.), other grasses
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on the grass blades, constructing shelters by tying leaves together. They overwinter as pupae or mature larvae.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, dark and hairy body, and the distinctive mottled, 'peppered' appearance of its wings, which are typically dark gray-brown with numerous small, pale spots.
Description
A small, dark skipper with mottled gray-brown wings that appear 'peppered' with pale spots. The body is hairy and dark.
