Hesperiidae
Guides
Agathymus aryxna
Arizona Giant-Skipper, Arizona giant skipper
Agathymus aryxna is a large skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, first described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1905. Commonly known as the Arizona Giant-Skipper, this species belongs to a genus of robust, fast-flying skippers often associated with agave plants. The species is distributed across Central and North America. It is recognized by Hodges number 4132 in the North American moth and butterfly classification system.
Agathymus remingtoni
Remington's Giant-Skipper, Coahuila Giant Skipper
Agathymus remingtoni is a species of giant skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It was described by Stallings and Turner in 1958, originally placed in the genus Megathymus. The species is known from Central America. Like other members of the genus Agathymus, it is part of a group of large-bodied skippers commonly referred to as giant skippers.
Agathymus stephensi
California giant skipper, California Giant-Skipper
Agathymus stephensi, commonly known as the California giant skipper, is a species of giant skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species was described by Skinner in 1912 and was originally described as a subspecies of Megathymus neumoegeni before being elevated to full species status. It belongs to the genus Agathymus, which comprises large, robust skippers commonly referred to as giant skippers. The species is found in both Central America and North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in published literature.
Aguna mcguirei
McGuire's Aguna
Aguna mcguirei is a species of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, described by Grishin in 2023. It is a recently described species within the genus Aguna, a group of neotropical skippers. The species is named in honor of an individual with the surname McGuire. As a newly described taxon, detailed biological information remains limited.
Alphomelon
Alphomelon is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Microgastrinae. The genus comprises 49 described species, with 30 described in a 2023 revision. Species delimitation requires integration of morphology, DNA barcoding, host data, and distribution information; neither morphology nor DNA barcoding alone is sufficient to distinguish all species.
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 aesculapius
Lace-winged Roadside-Skipper
A small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, found in the southeastern and south-central United States. Adults have a wingspan of 30–38 mm and are active from March through September, with two generations per year. The common name refers to the lacy pattern on the wings.
Amblyscirtes carolina
Carolina Roadside-Skipper, Carolina roadside skipper
Amblyscirtes carolina is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the Carolina roadside skipper. It occurs in the southeastern United States with scattered populations extending northward and westward. Adults are active from spring through late summer with multiple generations per year. The species has a wingspan of 29–37 mm and is associated with moist habitats where its larval host plant grows.
Amblyscirtes celia
Celia's Roadside-Skipper, roadside rambler
Amblyscirtes celia is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as Celia's Roadside-Skipper or roadside rambler. It is found from Texas south to northeastern Mexico, with occasional strays to southwestern Louisiana. The species has multiple generations per year and is active throughout the year in southern Texas.
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 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 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 oslari
Oslar's Roadside-Skipper, Oslar's roadside skipper
Amblyscirtes oslari, commonly known as Oslar's Roadside-Skipper, is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occupies a broad range across the North American Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, from southern Canada to the southwestern United States. The species exhibits latitudinal variation in its life cycle, with a single annual generation in northern populations and two generations in southern populations. Both larval and adult stages have documented host associations: larvae feed exclusively on blue grama grass, while adults visit flowers for nectar.
Amblyscirtes phylace
Orange-headed Roadside-Skipper, Red-headed Roadside Skipper
Amblyscirtes phylace is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, distributed from the southwestern United States to Mexico. Adults have a wingspan of 22–29 mm and are characterized by orange or reddish coloration on the head. The species is known to feed on flower nectar as adults.
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
Anatrytone is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, distributed across the New World. The genus contains at least eight described species organized into two species-groups: the logan group (including the Delaware skipper) and the mella group. Species within this genus are generally associated with grassland and open habitat ecosystems. The genus was established by Dyar in 1905.
Apyrrothrix
Apyrrothrix is a genus of skippers (family Hesperiidae) first described by Lindsey in 1921. The genus is currently recognized as a synonym of Pyrrhopyge, though it was historically treated as distinct. Species in this group are large, robust skippers commonly known as firetips, characterized by their dull coloration and association with oak habitats. The type species, Apyrrothrix araxes (dull firetip skipper), has been documented feeding on Baccharis salicifolia flowers in Arizona's Santa Rita Mountains.
Arteurotia artistella
Arteurotia artistella is a species of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, described by Grishin in 2023. The genus Arteurotia was established relatively recently, and this species represents part of ongoing taxonomic refinement within the Hesperiidae. As a newly described species, published information on its biology and ecology remains limited. It belongs to a group of skippers whose taxonomy has been subject to recent molecular and morphological revision.
Asbolis capucinus
Asbolis capucinus is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, native to the Caribbean and parts of North America. This species belongs to a genus of relatively poorly documented Neotropical skippers. Records indicate presence in Caribbean islands and southern Florida, though detailed natural history information remains sparse in published literature.
Atalopedes
Sachems and Allies
Atalopedes is a genus of skipper butterflies (family Hesperiidae) containing approximately seven species distributed across North and South America. The genus includes notable species such as Atalopedes campestris (sachem skipper), which has been extensively studied for its response to climate change, and Atalopedes huron (Huron skipper). Species within this genus are associated with grassland and prairie habitats, where adults frequently visit flowers for nectar. The genus was described by Scudder in 1872.
Atrytonopsis
Atrytonopsis is a genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. The genus contains approximately 14 described species, including the dusted skipper, moon-marked skipper, and white-barred skipper. One notable population occurs in an isolated insular sand dune habitat off the North Carolina coast, representing a significant disjunct distribution from the main range. Species within this genus are generally associated with open habitats and riparian corridors.
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 hianna
dusted skipper
Atrytonopsis hianna, commonly known as the dusted skipper, is a small butterfly in the family Hesperiidae native to North America. Adults have a wingspan of 32–43 mm and exhibit distinct seasonal patterns across their range, with single generations in northern populations and two generations in southern regions. The species is closely associated with prairie and grassland habitats where its larval host plants, big bluestem and little bluestem, occur.
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 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.
Autochton cincta
Autochton cincta is a species of skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) described by Plötz in 1882. It belongs to the subfamily Pyrginae and was originally described under the genus Cecropterus. The species has been recorded in Middle America and North America.
Burnsius communis
common checkered-skipper
Burnsius communis, the common checkered-skipper, is a small butterfly in the family Hesperiidae (skippers). Formerly classified as Pyrgus communis, this species is among the most frequently encountered skippers in the northern United States. It is recognized by its distinctive checkered wing pattern and blue-gray body with fine hair. The species exhibits broad geographic distribution across North America, with multiple broods in southern regions and two broods in northern areas.
Burnsius philetas
Desert Checkered-Skipper
Burnsius philetas, the desert checkered-skipper, is a small skipper butterfly (wingspan 25–29 mm) found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Formerly classified under Pyrgus, this species was reassigned to the genus Burnsius based on molecular and morphological evidence. It exhibits multiple generations per year with activity extending from early spring through late fall, with timing varying by latitude and elevation. The species is notable for its checkered wing pattern and association with dry, open habitats.
Cabares
Cabares is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Eudaminae. The genus is distributed across the Neotropical region, with species found from southern North America through Central America to South America. Cabares potrillo is the most widespread species, ranging from South Texas to Costa Rica and throughout the Greater Antilles.
Carterocephalus
skipperlings, chequered skippers, Arctic skippers
Carterocephalus is a Holarctic genus of small skipper butterflies (skipperlings) in the family Hesperiidae. The genus contains approximately 20 described species, with the majority endemic to China. The most widely distributed species, C. palaemon (chequered skipper), has been the focus of conservation efforts in Europe following its extinction in England in 1976 and subsequent reintroduction from Belgium in 2018.
Carterocephalus mandan
Arctic Skipper
Carterocephalus mandan, commonly known as the Arctic Skipper, is a butterfly species in the family Hesperiidae. It is found in North America, with records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, as well as the U.S. state of Vermont. The species is closely related to Carterocephalus palaemon, the Chequered Skipper, which has been the subject of conservation translocation efforts in Britain.
Celaenorrhinini
spread-winged skippers
Celaenorrhinini is a tribe of spread-winged skippers in the subfamily Tagiadinae. The tribe is predominantly Afrotropical, with most species found in tropical Africa and a smaller number in Asia. Some species currently placed in the paraphyletic genus Celaenorrhinus occur in the Neotropics. The tribe includes genera such as Celaenorrhinus, Eretis, Sarangesa, and the recently described Triskelionia.
Celaenorrhinus fritzgaertneri
Fritzgaertner's Flat
Celaenorrhinus fritzgaertneri is a spread-wing skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, originally described from Texas in 1880. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with two recognized subspecies: the nominate form and C. f. variegatus. It belongs to a genus of approximately 90 species distributed primarily in the Old World tropics, with this species representing one of the few New World members.
Celotes nessus
Common Streaky-Skipper
Celotes nessus, commonly known as the common streaky-skipper, is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, with occasional strays reaching farther north. The species is multivoltine, with adults active from spring through late summer. Larvae feed on mallow species, while adults visit flowers for nectar.
Chiomara
Chiomara is a genus of skipper butterflies (family Hesperiidae) established by Godman and Salvin in 1899. The genus belongs to the subfamily Pyrginae, commonly known as the spread-winged skippers. Species in this genus are found in the Neotropical region.
Chiomara georgina
Chiomara georgina is a species of skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) described by Reakirt in 1868. According to GBIF taxonomy records, this name is currently treated as a synonym of Chiomara asychis. The genus Chiomara comprises Neotropical skippers, though specific ecological details for this nominal species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Codatractus
long-tailed skippers
Codatractus is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Eudaminae. It comprises approximately 13 species distributed across the Neotropical and Nearctic regions. The genus was established by Lindsey in 1921. Several species possess distinctive long hindwing tails characteristic of the Eudaminae.
Codatractus arizonensis
Arizona skipper
Codatractus arizonensis, commonly known as the Arizona skipper, is a species of dicot skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species was first described by Skinner in 1905, originally as a subspecies of Heteropia melon. It is distributed across North America and Central America. As a member of the Pyrginae subfamily, it belongs to a group of skippers characterized by their rapid, darting flight patterns and association with dicotyledonous host plants.
Codatractus valeriana
Codatractus valeriana is a skipper butterfly (Hesperiidae) originally described from Middle America. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with current treatment placing it in the genus Thorybes as Thorybes valeriana, rendering Codatractus valeriana a synonym. Records indicate presence in both Middle and North America. As a hesperiid, it likely exhibits the characteristic rapid, darting flight pattern of skippers, though specific behavioral details remain poorly documented.
Cogia outis
Outis Skipper, button-grass skipper
Cogia outis is a species of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the Outis Skipper or button-grass skipper. The species was described by Skinner in 1894, originally placed in the genus Eudamus. As a member of the dicot skipper group, it belongs to a diverse lineage of fast-flying, moth-like butterflies. The species has been documented in 57 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is not exceptionally rare but also not commonly encountered.
Copaeodes
Copaeodes is a genus of skippers (family Hesperiidae, subfamily Hesperiinae) established by Speyer in 1877. The genus contains six recognized species distributed in the Americas, including the orange skipperling (Copaeodes aurantiaca). Species are typically small, orange-colored skippers. The genus was formerly considered a subgenus of Oarisma by some authorities, though this classification is not universally accepted.
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.
Decinea
Decinea is a genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, established by Evans in 1955. The genus contains approximately twelve recognized species distributed in the Neotropical region. Several species formerly placed in Decinea have been transferred to other genera including Lindra, Oligoria, and Testia based on revised taxonomy.
Eantis pallida
Pale Sicklewing
Eantis pallida is a skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) commonly known as the Pale Sicklewing. The species was first described by Felder in 1869 and has undergone taxonomic revisions, with some authorities placing it in the genus Achlyodes. It occurs in the Americas, with documented presence in Colombia and North America. The common name refers to the characteristic sickle-shaped wing appearance typical of this group.