Trailside Skipper
Common NameTrailside Skipper
Scientific NameAmblyscirtes vialis
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)27
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, trails, clearings, roadsides
Geographic RangeEastern and central North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and Texas
Host Plantsbentgrass, bluegrass, fescue
Flight PeriodApril to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses, forming shelters by tying leaves together, and pupate in a chrysalis before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, dark brown wings with distinct orange or yellowish-orange stripes, and the characteristic hooked antennae typical of skippers.
Description
A small skipper with dark brown wings prominently marked with bright orange or yellowish-orange stripes and patches, especially on the forewings.
