Poanes melane
(W.H. Edwards, 1869)
umber skipper
Poanes melane, commonly known as the umber skipper, is a in the Hesperiidae. It has been recorded in butterfly monitoring studies in Central California, where it occurs in dry vegetation . The species is associated with specific plants including Euthamia (goldentops) and Epilobium (willowherbs/fireweeds).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Poanes melane: //poʊˈeɪniːz ˈmɛləniː//
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Identification
The umber skipper can be distinguished from similar skippers by its association with specific conditions and plant preferences. It is notably absent when expected host plants like Euthamia and Epilobium are present but not in suitable condition.
Images
Habitat
Dry vegetation in North Sacramento and Central California. Associated with blooming Euthamia (goldentops) and Epilobium (willowherbs/fireweeds).
Distribution
Recorded from North Sacramento, California. Distribution within the state likely broader but specific range boundaries not documented in available sources.
Seasonality
Active during late summer; recorded on September 11 in North Sacramento. Absence noted when plants were peaking but other expected were also not observed.
Diet
Larval plants include Euthamia (goldentops) and Epilobium (willowherbs/fireweeds).
Host Associations
- Euthamia - larval plantgoldentops
- Epilobium - larval plantwillowherbs/fireweeds
Human Relevance
Subject of long-term monitoring in Central California by researchers including Art Shapiro, who has tracked butterfly populations in the region for over four decades.
Similar Taxa
- Ochlodes sylvanoidesBoth skippers associated with Epilobium plants; distinguished by presence/absence patterns in monitoring data
- Atlides halesusBoth associated with Euthamia plants; distinguished by presence/absence patterns in monitoring data
More Details
Taxonomic Note
GBIF lists Poanes melane as a synonym of Lon melane, indicating ongoing taxonomic uncertainty or recent reclassification in this group.