Sachem
Common NameSachem
Scientific NameAtalopedes campestris
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)32.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, lawns, roadsides, open fields, parks
Geographic RangeSouthern Canada, United States, Mexico, Central America
Host PlantsBermuda grass, crabgrass, St. Augustine grass, various other lawn grasses
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods), year-round in warmer climates
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae are green with a dark head, feeding on grass blades. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon near the ground, with multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for the overall orange-brown coloration with distinct light spots on the forewings. Males are easily identified by the prominent black stigma (a short, dark dash) on the forewing. Like all skippers, they have a robust body and hooked antennae.
Description
A small to medium-sized skipper with warm orange-brown wings featuring a pattern of lighter, somewhat translucent spots on the forewings; males possess a prominent black stigma.
