Umber Skipper
Common NameUmber Skipper
Scientific NamePoanes melane
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)34
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, yellow
HabitatOpen woodlands, canyons, chaparral, stream sides, suburban gardens, parks
Geographic RangeWestern North America (primarily California, extending to Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and Baja California)
Host PlantsBermuda grass, ryegrass, various native grasses
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses and pupate in a loose cocoon near the ground, with multiple generations occurring annually.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark brown wings with large, irregular golden-yellow patches, especially the large, diffuse patch on the ventral hindwing. Like other skippers, it has a stout body and hooked antennae.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with dark brown wings featuring prominent, irregular golden-yellow patches on both forewings and hindwings, particularly noticeable on the ventral side. Its body is hairy and brownish.
