Three-spotted Skipper
Common NameThree-spotted Skipper
Scientific NameCymaenes tripunctata
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, tan
HabitatOpen fields, forest edges, clearings, roadsides, gardens
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, Mexico, Central America, South America
Host Plantssugarcane, Guinea grass, various grasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical areas; spring to fall in temperate zones
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various grasses and construct shelters by rolling leaves. Pupation occurs within a silken cocoon, leading to multiple generations annually.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the characteristic three small, dark spots on the forewing, especially visible on the underside, and its overall plain brown coloration.
Description
A small, robust skipper with plain light brown wings. Its forewings feature three small, dark spots, clearly visible on the ventral side.
