Swarthy Skipper
Common NameSwarthy Skipper
Scientific NameNastra lherminier
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsbrown, gray
HabitatOpen grassy areas, fields, meadows, roadsides, forest edges
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, extending north to parts of the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic
Host PlantsBermuda grass, St. Augustine grass, various other grasses
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae are green with a dark head, feeding on grass blades and creating shelters by tying leaves together. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon within a leaf shelter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its generally unmarked, plain brown wings, robust body, and hooked antennae. The underside of the hindwing is typically uniform and lacks spots or patterns found in similar small skippers.
Description
A small, plain brown skipper with a robust, hairy body and relatively short, broad wings. The upper and lower surfaces are typically uniform brown or grayish-brown, often lacking distinct markings.
