Polites origenes

Distinguished from other Polites species by geographic range and flight period. The common name "crossline skipper" refers to wing pattern markings. Accurate identification may require examination of wing pattern details and association with specific habitat and larval host plants.

Wingspan 23–30 mm. A small skipper butterfly with characteristic rapid, darting flight typical of the family Hesperiidae.

Grassland habitats supporting larval host grasses. Associated with open areas where redtop grass (Tridens flavus) and little bluestem (Andropogon scoparius) occur.

Eastern United States (excluding Florida), southern Ontario, and Quebec.

One generation annually in Canada from late June to mid-August; two generations annually in the United States.

Larvae feed on grasses, specifically redtop grass (Tridens flavus) and little bluestem (Andropogon scoparius). Adults feed on flower nectar.

• Tridens flavus - larval food plantredtop grass
• Andropogon scoparius - larval food plantlittle bluestem

Complete metamorphosis with one generation per year in Canada, two generations per year in the United States. Overwintering stage not specified in available sources.

Adults function as pollinators when feeding on flower nectar. Larvae are herbivores on native grasses.

• Other Polites speciesSimilar size, flight pattern, and general appearance; distinguished by wing pattern details, geographic range, and host plant associations

• grassland
• native grass specialist
• pollinator
• North American endemic

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• Catalogue of Life
• Where Are All the Butterflies? | Bug Squad
• Polites -sonora - Entomology Today
• The best species name ever! | Beetles In The Bush
• How Climate Change is Affecting Insect Biodiversity
• A Look at the Science of Insect Conservation