Sheep Skipper
Common NameSheep Skipper
Scientific NameAmblyscirtes hegon
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, often near streams
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Georgia and west to Texas
Host Plantspanic grass, poverty oat grass
Flight PeriodLate April to early July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses, creating shelters by tying leaves together. They typically overwinter as pupae or mature larvae.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, dark brown upperwings with a few clear white spots, and the often mottled underside of the hindwings. Its antennae have a distinct hook at the tip.
Description
A small, dark brown skipper with a hairy, grayish body. Its forewings feature a few small, distinct white spots, while the hindwings often have a mottled appearance on the underside.
