Southern Skipperling
Common NameSouthern Skipperling
Scientific NameCopaeodes minima
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)19
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, white
HabitatOpen grassy areas, fields, roadsides, prairies
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, extending west to Texas and north to Kansas and Missouri
Host PlantsBermuda grass, St. Augustine grass, other various grasses
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on the grass blades, forming shelters by tying leaves together. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its extremely small size, bright orange coloration, and the distinctive white streaks on the underside of its hindwings. Its antennae have sharply pointed, hooked clubs.
Description
A very small skipper with bright orange upperwings and a white underside hindwing featuring prominent white streaks. Its head and thorax are also distinctly orange.
