Southern Broken-Dash
Common NameSouthern Broken-Dash
Scientific NameWallengrenia egeremet
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black
HabitatMeadows, open fields, forest edges, roadsides, powerline clearings
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to the Great Plains
Host Plantspanic grass, switchgrass, bluestem
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses, creating shelters by tying leaves together, and overwinter as partially grown larvae. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the warm orange-brown coloration with a distinct 'broken dash' pattern of small, pale, translucent spots on the forewing. Males possess a prominent, dark stigma. It can be distinguished from the similar Northern Broken-Dash by subtle differences in spot shape and overall color saturation.
Description
A small, robust skipper with warm orange-brown wings, often with a darker border and a few small, pale, translucent spots on the forewing. Its body is stout and hairy, typical of skippers.
