Ochlodes yuma

(W.H. Edwards, 1873)

Yuma Skipper

Ochlodes yuma, commonly known as the Yuma skipper, is a grass ( Hesperiidae) to wetlands of western North America. The is notable for its specialized relationship with common reed (Phragmites australis), which serves as its sole known larval plant. Five have been described, reflecting geographic variation across its range. The species has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 4057.

Ochlodes yuma by no rights reserved, uploaded by Robbie Hannawacker. Used under a CC0 license.

Yuma skipper 2023 by Melissa McMasters. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Ochlodes yuma 85202606 by Dawn Nelson. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ochlodes yuma: /ˈɒklədiːz ˈjuːmə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

As a member of the Ochlodes, this can be distinguished from other grass skippers by its wetland association and geographic restriction to western North America. The five recognized (O. y. yuma, O. y. scudderi, O. y. anasazi, O. y. lutea, and O. y. sacramentorum) show regional variation in coloration and pattern; precise identification to subspecies level requires examination of genitalic characters and reference to original descriptions. Separation from the widespread and congeneric woodland skipper (Ochlodes sylvanoides) relies on habitat and geographic criteria, as O. sylvanoides occupies more mesic and upland environments.

Images

Habitat

Wetlands of western North America, specifically dominated by common reed (Phragmites australis).

Distribution

Western North America, with records from wetland localities across the region. show more restricted distributions: O. y. yuma (the nominate subspecies), O. y. scudderi, O. y. anasazi (Arizona/New Mexico region), O. y. lutea, and O. y. sacramentorum (California region).

Diet

Larvae feed exclusively on common reed (Phragmites australis). feeding habits have not been documented.

Host Associations

Phragmites australis - larval sole known plant

Ecological Role

As a herbivore on Phragmites australis, the participates in wetland . Its restricted association suggests potential vulnerability to alteration affecting common reed stands.

Similar Taxa

Ochlodes sylvanoidesCongeneric grass skipper with overlapping western North American range; distinguished by preference (upland/mesic vs. wetland) and lack of strict association with Phragmites australis

More Details

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Hesperia yuma by W.H. Edwards in 1873; later transferred to Ochlodes. GBIF currently lists the as a synonym of Ochlodes sylvanoides, though this treatment is not universally accepted and the two species are maintained as distinct by most North American lepidopterists.

Subspecies

Five recognized: O. y. yuma (Edwards, 1873) – nominate form; O. y. scudderi (Skinner, 1899); O. y. anasazi S. Cary & Stanford, 1995; O. y. lutea Austin in T. Emmel, 1998; and O. y. sacramentorum Austin in T. Emmel, 1998.

Conservation Context

The ' strict reliance on wetland and single plant may render it sensitive to wetland drainage, Phragmites management programs, and climate-driven changes in western North American wetland hydrology.