Zabulon Skipper
Common NameZabulon Skipper
Scientific NamePoanes zabulon
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyHesperiinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, yellow, white
HabitatForest edges, open woodlands, clearings, suburban gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEastern and central United States, south into Mexico
Host Plantsbarnyard grass, eastern gamagrass, Virginia wildrye, river oats
Flight PeriodApril to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae are green with a dark head, feeding on grasses and constructing leaf shelters. They overwinter as larvae before pupating in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the strong sexual dimorphism, with males having a prominent orange forewing patch and females displaying distinct white spots and a large white hindwing patch. Distinguish from similar skippers by these specific color and pattern differences, especially on the female hindwing.
Description
The Zabulon Skipper exhibits strong sexual dimorphism; males are predominantly orange-yellow and brown with a large orange forewing patch, while females are darker brown with distinct white spots on the forewing and a large white patch on the hindwing underside.
