Russet Skipperling
Common NameRusset Skipperling
Scientific NameThymelicus lineola
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsorange, brown
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, roadsides, open fields
Geographic RangeNative to Eurasia; introduced and widespread in North America (eastern and central parts, expanding west)
Host Plantstimothy grass, orchard grass, quackgrass
Flight PeriodLate June to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades, hatching into green larvae with a dark dorsal stripe that feed on various grasses. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon near the ground, with one generation per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished from the similar European Skipper by its antennae, which have an orange club tipped with black (the European Skipper's club is entirely orange). The underside of the hindwing is typically unmarked and duller orange-brown.
Description
A small, robust skipper with warm russet-orange upperwings, often with a few faint white spots on the forewing. Its body is hairy and brownish-orange.
