Heliopetes ericetorum
(Boisduval, 1852)
Northern White-Skipper
Heliopetes ericetorum is a in the Hesperiidae, commonly known as the Northern White-Skipper. It occurs in arid regions of western North America, from eastern Washington south through the southwestern United States to Baja California, Mexico. The produces two annually and are active from spring through fall. Larvae feed on mallow plants (Malvaceae), while adults are characterized by white wings with dark marginal markings that differ between sexes.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Heliopetes ericetorum: /ˌhiːliˈɒpɪtiːz ˌɛrɪˈsiːtɔːrəm/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
distinguished from similar white skippers by the combination of: (1) geographic range restricted to western North America, (2) two per year with extended season (April–October), and (3) specific wing pattern with black marginal chevrons. Males and females differ in extent of dark markings, with females showing more gray/black at wing bases. Similar in the Heliopetes have different geographic distributions or wing patterns.
Images
Habitat
Open woodland, chaparral, dry washes, desert mountains, and arid lands. Prefers dry, open environments with adequate sunlight and plant availability.
Distribution
North America: United States from eastern Washington south to western Colorado, southern California, and Arizona; northwestern Mexico in Baja California. Present in Middle America and North America according to distribution records.
Seasonality
Two per year. on wing from April to October, spanning spring through fall.
Diet
Larvae feed on leaves of mallow ( Malvaceae), including Sphaeralcea, Althaea, and Malva. diet not specified in available sources.
Host Associations
- Sphaeralcea - larval food plantmallow
- Althaea - larval food plantmallow
- Malva - larval food plantmallow
Life Cycle
Two per year (). Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Specific timing of stages not documented.
Ecological Role
Larval herbivore on mallow plants; potential as . Specific ecological functions not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Heliopetes macairaSimilar white skipper in same ; distinguished by different geographic distribution and wing pattern details.
- Other Heliopetes speciesShare general white skipper ; require examination of wing patterns and geographic range for separation.
More Details
Taxonomic History
Originally described as Syrichtus ericetorum by Boisduval in 1852; later transferred to Heliopetes.