Short-tailed Skipper
Common NameShort-tailed Skipper
Scientific NameThorybes pylades
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)38
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, fields, meadows, roadsides
Geographic RangeNorth America, from southern Canada through most of the United States and into Mexico
Host Plantsclover, bush clover, tick-trefoil, alfalfa, vetch
Flight PeriodMarch to October (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a dark head, feeding on legumes and constructing leaf shelters. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon, with the species overwintering as a pupa or mature larva.
Identification TipsLook for mottled brown and gray wings with small, clear (hyaline) spots on the forewing. The hindwing underside is typically mottled and lacks prominent tails, distinguishing it from long-tailed skippers.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with mottled dark brown and gray wings, featuring several small, translucent white spots on the forewing. Its hairy body and cryptic coloration allow it to blend into its natural surroundings.
