Salt Marsh Skipper
Common NameSalt Marsh Skipper
Scientific NamePanoquina panoquin
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white
HabitatSalt marshes, brackish marshes, coastal grasslands, dunes
Geographic RangeAtlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States (Maryland to Texas)
Host Plantscordgrass, saltgrass
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grass blades, creating shelters by tying leaves together, and pupate within a silken cocoon in a leaf shelter.
Identification TipsLook for its brownish-gray coloration with a specific pattern of white rectangular spots on the forewing, particularly a row of three in the postmedian area. Its coastal salt marsh habitat is also a key indicator.
Description
A small, robust skipper with brownish-gray wings featuring several distinct white rectangular spots on the forewings. The underside is often paler.
