Grass Skippers

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hesperiinae: /hɛsˌpɛriˈaɪni/

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Summary

Grass skippers (Hesperiinae) are a diverse subfamily of butterflies within the Hesperiidae family, distinguished by their coloration, wing posture, and strong flying abilities. Established by Pierre André Latreille in 1809, they feed primarily on grasses and are significant in the ecosystems they inhabit.

Physical Characteristics

Grass skippers are usually orange, rust, or brown in colour and have pointed forewings. Many species have dark markings or black stigmas on their forewings. Most members have an oval antenna club with an apiculus on the tip, and the antennae generally have a sharp bend.

Identification Tips

Hesperiinae can be identified by their unique resting posture, holding their wings partially open at different angles, known as the 'jet-plane position'.

Habitat

Grass skippers are found worldwide except in New Zealand, with a high diversity in the Neotropics and specific genera existing exclusively in the Holarctic.

Distribution

With over 2,000 species, about 50 percent live in the Neotropics. 137 species are native to North America, and around 38 species are native to Australia.

Diet

Larvae primarily feed on grasses and sedges, with some also feeding on palms.

Life Cycle

Larvae typically live in nests and feed mostly at night.

Reproduction

Most male grass skippers perch to await females, and adults are strong fliers, some species patrol for females instead of perching.

Conservation Status

Some grass skippers are considered at risk.

Tags

• Hesperiinae
• Grass Skippers
• Butterflies
• Lepidoptera
• Hesperiidae