Hesperia metea

The cobweb skipper can be distinguished from other Hesperia species by its small size, dark coloration, and the distinctive pale cobweb-like spot pattern on the upper wing surfaces. It is most similar to Hesperia ottoe and Hesperia leonardus, but occurs earlier in the season and typically in more open, dry habitats. The single spring generation separates it from multi-brooded species. The scattered, pale spots on dark wings are more irregular and web-like than the more organized spot patterns of related species.

Wingspan 29–35 mm. Small, robust skipper with relatively short wings. Upper wing surfaces are dark brown to blackish with small, pale spots forming a cobweb-like pattern. Undersides are lighter with more distinct pale markings. Antennae are hooked at the tips, typical of skippers. Sexes are similar in appearance, with males possibly having more angular forewings.

Dry, open grasslands including prairies, barrens, and savannas. Associated with native tallgrass and mixed-grass prairie remnants. Requires areas with intact native grass communities for larval development.

Scattered distribution across the eastern and central United States. Range extends from southern Maine west to Wisconsin, south to central Georgia, the Gulf States, and central Texas. Distribution is patchy and localized, reflecting the fragmented nature of suitable prairie habitat.

Univoltine (one generation per year). Adults are active from late March to early June, with peak activity varying by latitude. Early spring emergence distinguishes it from later-flying related species.

Larvae feed on native grasses including Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem) and Andropogon gerardi (big bluestem). Adults feed on flower nectar from low-growing plants including Labrador tea, wild strawberry, blackberry, bird's-foot violet, winter cress, red clover, lilac, vervain, Carolina larkspur, and wild hyacinth.

• Schizachyrium scoparium - larval food plantlittle bluestem
• Andropogon gerardi - larval food plantbig bluestem
• Rhododendron groenlandicum - adult nectar sourceLabrador tea
• Fragaria virginiana - adult nectar sourcewild strawberry
• Rubus spp. - adult nectar sourceblackberry
• Viola pedata - adult nectar sourcebird's-foot violet
• Barbarea vulgaris - adult nectar sourcewinter cress
• Trifolium pratense - adult nectar sourcered clover
• Syringa vulgaris - adult nectar sourcelilac
• Verbena spp. - adult nectar sourcevervain
• Delphinium carolinianum - adult nectar sourceCarolina larkspur
• Dichelostemma capitatum - adult nectar sourcewild hyacinth

Complete metamorphosis with four stages: egg, larva, pupa, adult. Univoltine with one generation per year. Larvae feed on native grasses and overwinter, likely as partially grown larvae. Pupation occurs in spring, with adults emerging in late March to early June. Eggs are laid on or near host grasses.

Adults are rapid, darting fliers typical of skippers. They remain close to the ground and frequently perch on low vegetation. Males may establish territories and engage in rapid pursuit flights. Adults visit low-growing flowers for nectar and are most active in sunny conditions.

Larval herbivore on native prairie grasses, contributing to nutrient cycling in grassland ecosystems. Adult pollinator of low-growing spring wildflowers. Serves as prey for birds, spiders, and insect predators. Indicator species for intact native prairie habitats.

Subject of conservation concern due to habitat loss from prairie destruction and fragmentation. Monitored by butterfly enthusiasts and conservation biologists. Used as an indicator species for prairie ecosystem health. Not known to be of economic importance.

• Hesperia ottoeSimilar size and coloration, but occurs later in the season and in different habitats; Ottoe skipper has more distinct and organized spot bands rather than cobweb pattern
• Hesperia leonardusSimilar dark coloration, but Leonard's skipper is larger, has more regular spot patterns, and flies in late summer rather than spring
• Hesperia dacotaeSimilar habitat preferences but Dakota skipper is lighter in color with more prominent orange markings and has different spot arrangement
• Poanes hobomokHobomok skipper overlaps in range and habitat but has more orange-brown coloration and different wing shape; active later in spring

• skipper
• prairie
• grassland
• spring
• univoltine
• native grass feeder

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