Southern Cloudywing
Common NameSouthern Cloudywing
Scientific NameThorybes bathyllus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyEudaminae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, meadows, roadsides, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern and central United States, south to Florida and Texas, west to Nebraska and Kansas
Host Plantsbush clover, tick trefoil, clover, alfalfa
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a dark head and construct leaf shelters, overwintering as pupae or mature larvae.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the relatively large, rectangular white spots on the forewing, particularly the cell spots. The underside of the hindwing is typically uniformly dark brown or subtly mottled, lacking distinct banding.
Description
A medium-sized, dark brown skipper with prominent, rectangular white spots on the forewings and a somewhat checkered fringe. The body is robust and dark brown.
