Atrytonopsis loammi
(Whitney, 1876)
Loammi skipper, southern dusted skipper
Atrytonopsis loammi, commonly known as the Loammi skipper or southern dusted skipper, is a small hesperiid found in coastal regions of the southeastern United States. The has been subject to taxonomic debate, with some authors treating it as a of Atrytonopsis hianna, and the North Carolina barrier island described separately as Atrytonopsis quinteri. are active in two distinct periods during spring and mid-summer to late summer. The larvae feed specifically on Schizachyrium littorale, a coastal grass species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Atrytonopsis loammi: //ˌætrətəˈnɑpsɪs ˈloʊmi//
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Identification
Distinguished from related Atrytonopsis by its coastal barrier island distribution and specific timing. The North Carolina (described as A. quinteri) may differ from Florida populations, though distinguishing characters remain unclear from published descriptions. Separation from A. hianna, when treated as distinct, requires careful examination and reference to geographic origin.
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Habitat
Coastal barrier islands and adjacent mainland areas in the southeastern United States. Associated with sandy dune where the larval plant Schizachyrium littorale occurs.
Distribution
United States: barrier islands of North Carolina, coastal South Carolina, Florida, and Mississippi. The North Carolina is restricted to barrier islands and has been proposed as a distinct .
Seasonality
Two periods annually: early April to mid-May, and mid-July to late August.
Diet
Larvae feed on Schizachyrium littorale, a coastal littoral grass . feeding habits not documented.
Host Associations
- Schizachyrium littorale - larval plantCoastal dune grass; sole documented
Life Cycle
Complete with two per year corresponding to the pattern. , larval, pupal, and stages occur, with larvae feeding on grass. stage not explicitly documented.
Ecological Role
Larval herbivore on coastal dune grasses; potential as . Specialized association with barrier island .
Human Relevance
Subject of taxonomic research regarding speciation in isolated coastal . No documented economic or agricultural significance.
Similar Taxa
- Atrytonopsis hiannaTreated as by some authors; A. loammi has been considered a or synonym
- Atrytonopsis quinteriDescribed from North Carolina barrier island of A. loammi; relationship and distinguishing characters unresolved
More Details
Taxonomic Uncertainty
The exhibits complex taxonomic history. Burns (2015) described the North Carolina as Atrytonopsis quinteri without comparing it to Florida A. loammi populations, leaving the status of both names unresolved. The relationship to A. hianna remains debated among lepidopterists.