Grass-skipper
Guides
Amblyscirtes aenus megamacula
Amblyscirtes aenus megamacula is a subspecies of grass skipper in the family Hesperiidae. The broader species A. aenus, known as the Bronze Roadside-Skipper, ranges across parts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The subspecies megamacula is distinguished by larger wing spots compared to the nominate subspecies. Like other members of the genus, it inhabits grassland and open habitats where larval host grasses occur.
Amblyscirtes belli
Bell's Roadside-Skipper, Bell's roadside skipper
Amblyscirtes belli is a small grassland skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, found in the central and eastern United States. Adults have a wingspan of 30–32 mm and are active from April through September, with three generations per year. The species is named for its discoverer and is closely associated with woodland edges and grassy habitats where its larval host plant grows.
Amblyscirtes elissa
Elissa Roadside-Skipper
Amblyscirtes elissa, commonly known as the Elissa Roadside-Skipper, is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species was described by Godman in 1900 and occurs in Central America and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: A. e. elissa (the nominate subspecies) and A. e. arizonae, described by Freeman in 1993. Like other members of its genus, it is a small, rapid-flying butterfly associated with grassy habitats.
Amblyscirtes eos
Dotted Roadside-Skipper
Amblyscirtes eos, commonly known as the Dotted Roadside-Skipper, is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species was originally described as Hesperia eos by W.H. Edwards in 1871. Like other members of the genus Amblyscirtes, it is associated with grassy habitats and roadside environments.
Amblyscirtes exoteria
Large Roadside-Skipper
Amblyscirtes exoteria, commonly known as the large roadside skipper, is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species belongs to the genus Amblyscirtes, a group of small to medium-sized skippers often associated with grassy habitats and roadsides.
Amblyscirtes fimbriata
orange-edged roadside skipper
Amblyscirtes fimbriata, the orange-edged roadside skipper, is a grass skipper in the butterfly family Hesperiidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species was described by Plötz in 1882, originally as Hesperia fimbriata. Two subspecies are recognized: A. f. fimbriata and A. f. pallida.
Amblyscirtes hegon
pepper-and-salt skipper
Amblyscirtes hegon, commonly known as the pepper-and-salt skipper, is a small grass-feeding skipper butterfly native to eastern and central North America. It is distinguished by its relatively early spring flight period and association with grassy habitats. The species has a single generation per year and is mostly absent from coastal plain regions within its range.
Amblyscirtes linda
Linda's roadside skipper, Linda's Roadside-Skipper
A small grass skipper in the family Hesperiidae, described by Hugh Avery Freeman in 1943. The species is characterized by dark brown wings with distinctive light spotting patterns and a wingspan of 29–34 mm. It occurs in North America and is one of approximately 25 species in the genus Amblyscirtes.
Amblyscirtes nereus
Slaty Roadside-Skipper, Slaty Roadside Skipper
Amblyscirtes nereus, known as the slaty roadside skipper, is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species was originally described by W.H. Edwards in 1876 as Hesperia nereus. It is one of approximately 25 species in the genus Amblyscirtes, a group of small to medium-sized skippers found primarily in North America.
Amblyscirtes nysa
Nysa Roadside-Skipper, nysa roadside skipper
Amblyscirtes nysa, commonly known as the Nysa Roadside-Skipper, is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species exhibits a disjunct distribution spanning from Mexico through the southwestern United States into the southern Great Plains, with occasional vagrant records extending beyond its core range. Males establish perching territories in specific microhabitats during early morning hours. The species produces one to three generations annually depending on latitude, with caterpillars feeding on grasses.
Amblyscirtes tolteca
Toltec Roadside-Skipper, Toltec Roadside Skipper
Amblyscirtes tolteca, commonly known as the Toltec Roadside-Skipper, is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It was described by Scudder in 1872. The species is found in Central America and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: A. t. prenda (Evans, 1955) and the nominate A. t. tolteca (Scudder, 1872).
Anatrytone logan
Delaware Skipper
Anatrytone logan, commonly known as the Delaware skipper, is a North American grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It ranges from the southern Canadian Prairies and southern Ontario through the midwestern and eastern United States. The species exhibits sexual monomorphism in coloration, with both sexes displaying yellow-orange wings with black borders and dark brown venation. It is multivoltine in warmer regions and univoltine in northern areas, with larval development dependent on native grasses.
Ancyloxypha arene
Tropical Least Skipper
Ancyloxypha arene, commonly known as the Tropical Least Skipper, is a small grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is one of the smallest skippers in North America. The species occurs from the southern United States through Central America. Adults are active throughout much of the year in tropical regions, with more restricted flight periods in temperate areas.
Atalopedes campestris
Field Skipper, sachem
Atalopedes campestris, commonly known as the field skipper or sachem, is a small grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. Adults have a wingspan of 35–41 mm. Males are orange with brown edges and a large black stigma on the forewing; females are darker brown with variable lighter markings. The species has undergone significant northward range expansion in North America during the 21st century, attributed to winter warming trends associated with climate change. In 2022, the eastern North American population was designated as a separate species, A. huron (huron sachem).
Atrytonopsis cestus
Cestus Skipper
Atrytonopsis cestus, the Cestus Skipper, is a grass skipper in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in North America and is one of approximately 78 observed species in the genus Atrytonopsis. The species was originally described as Pamphila cestus by Edwards in 1884. Like other hesperiine skippers, it is associated with grassland and open habitats.
Atrytonopsis deva
Deva Skipper
Atrytonopsis deva, commonly known as the Deva Skipper, is a species of grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is found in both Central America and North America. The species was originally described as Hesperia deva by Edwards in 1876. It is assigned Hodges number 4081 in the North American Moth Photographers Group numbering system. As a member of the grass skipper group, it likely exhibits the rapid, darting flight characteristic of this subfamily.
Atrytonopsis edwardsi
sheep skipper
Atrytonopsis edwardsi, commonly known as the sheep skipper, is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species was first described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1916. It occurs in Central and North America, with a Hodges number of 4088. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Atrytonopsis ovinia by some taxonomic authorities.
Atrytonopsis lunus
Moon-marked Skipper
Atrytonopsis lunus, the moon-marked skipper, is a species of grass skipper in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species is assigned Hodges number 4082 in the North American Moth Photographers Group system.
Atrytonopsis pittacus
White-barred Skipper
Atrytonopsis pittacus, the white-barred skipper, is a grass skipper in the family Hesperiidae described by William Henry Edwards in 1882. It occurs in Central and North America. Males have been observed puddling at stream margins to obtain minerals. The species has a MONA/Hodges number of 4085.
Atrytonopsis python
Python Skipper, Annual Sea-blite
Atrytonopsis python, commonly known as the Python Skipper or Annual Sea-blite, is a species of grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is found in North America. The species was first described by Edwards in 1882. Two subspecies are recognized: A. p. margarita and the nominate A. p. python. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 4086.
Atrytonopsis vierecki
Viereck's skipper
Atrytonopsis vierecki, commonly known as Viereck's skipper, is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is found in North America. The species was first described by Skinner in 1902 under the basionym Pamphila vierecki. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 4083.
Copaeodes aurantiaca
orange skipperling
Copaeodes aurantiaca, commonly known as the orange skipperling, is a grass skipper in the family Hesperiidae. It is native to Central America and North America, with documented presence in the southwestern United States including Arizona. The species is active during late summer and early autumn, and has been observed in botanical gardens and natural habitats with abundant flowering vegetation.
Cymaenes
Cymaenes is a genus of skippers (family Hesperiidae) first described by Scudder in 1872. The genus comprises approximately twelve recognized species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Members are classified within the subfamily Hesperiinae, commonly known as grass skippers. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with several former species synonymized or transferred to other genera.
Cymaenes tripunctus
Three-spotted Skipper, Dingy Dotted Skipper
Cymaenes tripunctus is a grass skipper (Hesperiidae) distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, Florida, and South America. It is a small butterfly with a wingspan of 29–35 mm. The species is distinguished by three tiny transparent white spots on the leading edge of the forewing upperside near the tip. Two recognized subspecies exist: C. t. tripunctus and C. t. theogenis.
Euphyes
grass skippers
Euphyes is a genus of grass skippers (Hesperiidae: Hesperiinae) comprising approximately 22 species distributed across North America, the Caribbean, and parts of Central America. Species are typically associated with wetland and grassland habitats, with larvae feeding on sedges (Cyperaceae) and other monocots. The genus includes several regional endemics and habitat specialists, some of conservation concern.
Hesperia attalus
Dotted Skipper
Hesperia attalus, commonly known as the dotted skipper, is a butterfly species in the family Hesperiidae. It was first described by William Henry Edwards in 1871 and occurs in North America. The species includes three recognized subspecies: H. a. attalus, H. a. nigrescens (dark dotted skipper), and H. a. slossonae (Slosson's dotted skipper). Like other skippers, it is characterized by rapid, darting flight and a stocky body form.
Hesperia colorado
American Branded Skipper, Western Branded Skipper
Hesperia colorado is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the American Branded Skipper or Western Branded Skipper. The species was described by Scudder in 1874, originally placed in the genus Pamphila. As a member of the genus Hesperia, it belongs to a group of grass skippers characterized by rapid, darting flight patterns and relatively small, robust bodies compared to other butterflies.
Hesperia columbia
Columbian skipper
Hesperia columbia, the Columbian skipper, is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in North America and Central America. The species was originally described as Pamphila columbia by Scudder in 1872. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 4026.
Hesperia meskei
Meske's Skipper
Meske's Skipper is a North American grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It was first described by William Henry Edwards in 1877. The species is recognized by taxonomic authorities including GBIF, Catalogue of Life, and NCBI. Three subspecies have been described: H. m. meskei, H. m. pinocayo, and H. m. straton. The species has been documented in citizen science platforms with over 300 observations.
Hesperia viridis
Green Skipper
Hesperia viridis, commonly known as the green skipper, is a species of grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 4028.
Lerema
Clouded Skipper
Lerema is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Hesperiinae. The genus includes the Clouded Skipper (Lerema accius), a grass skipper whose complete mitochondrial genome has been sequenced and characterized. Phylogenetic analysis places Lerema within the grass skipper clade, specifically as sister to Asian genera Potanthus and Polytremis. The genus is established in North America with documented occurrence in Texas.
Lerodea
Lerodea is a genus of grass skippers in the family Hesperiidae, comprising seven described species distributed primarily in the Americas. The genus was established by Scudder in 1872, with Lerodea eufala designated as the type species. Species in this genus are generally associated with grassland and open habitats, where their larvae feed on various grass species. The most widely distributed member, Lerodea eufala (the Eufala Skipper), ranges from the southern United States through much of South America.
Monca
Monca is a genus of skipper butterflies (family Hesperiidae) established by Evans in 1955. The genus belongs to the subfamily Hesperiinae, commonly known as grass skippers. Only one species, Monca crispinus, is currently recognized. The genus is documented in the Natural History Museum Lepidoptera genus database and has been observed in citizen science platforms.
Nastra
Nastra is a genus of skipper butterflies (family Hesperiidae, subfamily Hesperiinae) established by Evans in 1955. The genus comprises approximately ten recognized species distributed in the Americas, including notable species such as the Swarthy Skipper (Nastra lherminier) and Neamathla Skipper (Nastra neamathla). As grass skippers, members of this genus are characterized by their rapid, darting flight patterns and relatively small stature. The genus is well-documented with over 4,000 observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate research and citizen science attention.
Nastra neamathla
neamathla skipper, southern swarthy skipper
Nastra neamathla is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the neamathla skipper or southern swarthy skipper. It is distinguished by its plain brown upperside wings and distinctive black-based, yellow-brown underside. The species is found in the Southeastern United States.
Notamblyscirtes
Notamblyscirtes is a genus of grass skippers in the butterfly family Hesperiidae. The genus contains a single described species, Notamblyscirtes simius. It was established by Scott in 2006. The genus is poorly documented, with limited published information available on its biology and ecology.
Nyctelius nyctelius
Violet-banded Skipper, Nyctelius Skipper
Nyctelius nyctelius is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the violet-banded skipper or nyctelius skipper. It is a widespread species found across the Americas, with two recognized subspecies. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 4123.
Oarisma
skipperling
Oarisma is a genus of grass skippers (family Hesperiidae) comprising approximately 14 described species distributed throughout the Americas. Species range from the United States through Central America and the Caribbean to South America. The genus includes the federally endangered Poweshiek skipperling (O. poweshiek), which has undergone dramatic population declines and is now restricted to six extant sites in the upper Midwest United States and Manitoba, Canada. In 2019, species formerly placed in the genus Copaeodes were transferred to Oarisma based on taxonomic revision.
Oarisma edwardsii
Edwards's Skipperling
Oarisma edwardsii, known as Edwards's skipperling, is a small grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. First described by William Barnes in 1897, this species occurs in Central and North America. It is recognized by its distinctive wing coloration and white-tipped wing fringes. The species has a wingspan of 22–29 mm, making it one of the smaller skippers in its range. Its MONA (Moth Photographers Group) or Hodges number is 4008.
Oarisma garita
Garita Skipperling, Western Skipperling, Garita Skipper
A small grass skipper native to North American prairies and open habitats. Adults are active in early summer with a flight period from mid-June through mid-July. The species has been studied as a comparative model for understanding temperature effects on development in the endangered congener O. poweshiek.
Oarisma poweshiek
Poweshiek Skipperling
The Poweshiek skipperling is a small, critically endangered North American grass skipper butterfly. Historically common across tallgrass prairie systems of the upper Midwest United States and southern Manitoba, Canada, it has experienced catastrophic population declines since 2005. The species now persists at only six verified extant sites: four prairie fens in Michigan, one mesic prairie in Wisconsin, and one tallgrass prairie in Manitoba. Intensive conservation efforts include captive breeding programs at the Minnesota Zoo and Assiniboine Park Conservancy, federal endangered species protection in both countries, and habitat restoration initiatives.
Ochlodes agricola
Rural Skipper
Ochlodes agricola, commonly known as the rural skipper, is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is found in North America, particularly in mid-elevation habitats and foothills. The species has been identified as declining in western North American populations, with studies documenting a 1.6% annual reduction in butterfly numbers across the region associated with warming fall temperatures.
Panoquina
Panoquina is a genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, established by Hemming in 1934. The genus comprises approximately 17 recognized species distributed across the Americas. Several species, such as Panoquina lucas (purple-washed skipper) and Panoquina ocola (ocola skipper), are relatively well-known and frequently observed. Members of this genus are characterized by their rapid, darting flight patterns typical of skippers. The genus has accumulated substantial observational records, with over 21,000 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Panoquina evansi
Evans's skipper
Panoquina evansi, known as Evans's skipper, is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species was described by Freeman in 1946, originally placed in the genus Calpodes. It belongs to a genus of skippers distributed in the Americas. The MONA (Moths of North America) or Hodges number for this species is 4122.
Panoquina hecebolus
Hecebolus Skipper
Panoquina hecebolus, commonly known as the Hecebolus Skipper, is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It was first described by Scudder in 1872. The species is classified under the MONA/Hodges number 4120.
Panoquina lucas
purple-washed skipper
Panoquina lucas is a species of grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the purple-washed skipper. It has a broad distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species was originally described as Hesperia lucas by Fabricius in 1793.
Panoquina panoquinoides
obscure skipper, beach skipper
Panoquina panoquinoides, commonly called the obscure skipper or beach skipper, is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean Sea, North America, and South America. The species is recognized as a coastal specialist with four described subspecies.
Polites baracoa
baracoa skipper, little tawny edge skipper
Polites baracoa is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is found in the Caribbean and North America. The species is recognized by two subspecies: P. b. baracoa and P. b. loma. It is assigned Hodges number 4040.
Polites carus
Carus Skipper
Polites carus, commonly known as the carus skipper, is a species of grass skipper in the butterfly family Hesperiidae. It is a North American butterfly with limited documentation in scientific literature. The species was originally described as Pamphila carus by W.H. Edwards in 1883. It has been assigned the MONA or Hodges number 4015 for North American Lepidoptera identification.
Polites peckius
Peck's Skipper
Polites peckius, commonly known as Peck's Skipper, is a North American grass skipper in the family Hesperiidae. 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 species produces two to three generations annually and is active from May through October. Adults feed on nectar from flowers including red clover, purple vetch, and thistles, while larvae consume various grasses.