White-brand Grass-skipper
Common NameWhite-brand Grass-skipper
Scientific NameHesperia metea
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)33.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white
HabitatDry, open woodlands, pine barrens, sandy areas, powerline cuts, clearings
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern New Hampshire south to northern Georgia and west to eastern Kentucky and Ohio
Host PlantsDanthonia spicata, Danthonia compressa
Flight PeriodLate April to early June
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses and overwinter as partially grown larvae, pupating in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the dark brown wings with a prominent, somewhat rectangular white or pale yellowish band of spots on the forewing. The underside of the hindwing is typically dark brown with a faint, irregular band of pale spots.
Description
A medium-sized, robust skipper with dark brown wings. The forewings feature a distinctive band of white or pale yellowish rectangular spots.
