Polites peckius
(Kirby, 1837)
Peck's Skipper
Polites peckius, commonly known as Peck's , is a North grass skipper in the . It is widely distributed across northern and central North America, from British Columbia to Labrador in Canada and throughout most of the northern and central United States. The produces two to three annually and is active from May through October. feed on nectar from flowers including red clover, purple vetch, and thistles, while consume various grasses.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Polites peckius: /pɔˈlaɪtiːz ˈpɛkiəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The large straw-colored on the separates P. peckius from other Polites . Males can be identified by the presence of a , absent in females. The combination of small size (19-27 mm wingspan), dark and orange coloration, and grass antennal hooks confirms -level placement.
Images
Appearance
have dark and yellowish-orange markings. Both sexes display a large straw-colored on the surface of the , a diagnostic feature distinguishing this from other Polites. Males are lighter in color than females and possess a (round or oval mark) on the . The terminate in tiny hooks, characteristic of . Wingspan ranges from 19 to 27 mm.
Habitat
Grassy including meadows, marshes, and roadsides. Occupies open areas with abundant grass cover for larval development and nectar sources for .
Distribution
North America: Canada from British Columbia east to Labrador, north to Cartwright (Labrador), Moar Lake (Ontario), Leaf Rapids (Manitoba), and Hay River area (Alberta). United States: most northern and central states, absent from the west coast.
Seasonality
active May through October. Two to three per year depending on latitude and local climate conditions.
Diet
consume nectar from flowers including red clover (Trifolium pratense), purple vetch (Vicia spp.), and thistles (Cirsium spp.). feed on rice cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides), bluegrass (Poa spp.), and other grasses.
Host Associations
- red clover - nectar source feeding
- purple vetch - nectar source feeding
- thistles - nectar source feeding
- rice cutgrass - larval larval
- bluegrass - larval larval
Life Cycle
Produces two to three annually. Females lay single . feed on grasses. stage not explicitly documented in available sources.
Behavior
Rests with held open in a V shape and held horizontally to the side, or with all four folded together exposing only surfaces. Males perch in sunny open areas to await receptive females. Courtship occurs throughout the day.
Ecological Role
function as when visiting flowers for nectar. are consuming grasses, contributing to in grassland .
Similar Taxa
- Other Polites speciesDifferentiated by the large straw-colored on the , which is unique to P. peckius within the
- Other grass skippers (Hesperiinae)Antennal hooks and resting posture are shared traits; P. peckius distinguished by specific pattern elements
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Originally described as Hesperia peckius by Kirby in 1837; later transferred to Polites.
Conservation Status
Not known to be of concern; appears to remain common across its range based on iNaturalist observation data (35,487 records as of source date).