White-patched Skipper
Common NameWhite-patched Skipper
Scientific NameHesperia comma
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)33
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, grey
HabitatOpen grassy areas, meadows, forest clearings, subalpine meadows, tundra
Geographic RangeHolarctic: North America (widespread, especially western and northern), Europe, Asia
Host Plantsvarious grasses, fescues, bluegrass, bentgrass
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses, constructing silk shelters, and overwinter as partially grown larvae before pupating in a loose cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark brown ground color, mottled forewings with white spots, and the distinctive, somewhat irregular white band on the hindwings. Like all skippers, it has a robust body and hooked antennae.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with dark brown upperside wings, mottled with greyish-white and distinct white rectangular spots on the forewings, and a prominent white band of patches across the hindwings.
