Sedge-feeder
Guides
Cosmopterix attenuatella
Cosmopterix attenuatella is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1864. It exhibits an exceptionally broad geographic distribution spanning tropical and subtropical regions across both the Old and New World. The species is notable for its leaf-mining larvae that feed on grasses and sedges. Adults are diminutive, with a wingspan of approximately 9 mm.
Elachista albidella
cottongrass sedge-miner
Elachista albidella is a small microlepidopteran moth in the family Elachistidae, described by William Nylander in 1848. It has a wingspan of 9–10 mm and is characterized by white forewings with distinctive fuscous markings and a large black plical stigma. The species is widely distributed across Europe and also occurs in North America. Larvae are specialized miners of sedges and grasses in wetland habitats.
Elachista madarella
Elachista madarella is a small North American moth in the family Elachistidae. Adults are active from May through October and have a wingspan of 8–9 mm. The larvae are leaf miners that feed on sedges, specifically Carex pubescens, Carex cristata, and Scirpus atrovirens. This species was originally described as Cosmiotes madarella by Clemens in 1860.
Erebia fasciata
banded alpine
Erebia fasciata, commonly known as the banded alpine, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Satyrinae. It is distributed across high-latitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere, ranging from central Siberia through Alaska, Yukon, and the Canadian Arctic to Hudson Bay, with additional populations on Banks Island and Victoria Island. The species exhibits a wingspan of 38–53 mm. Adults are active from May to late July depending on location, with larvae feeding on Carex species.
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.
Euphyes conspicua
Black Dash
Euphyes conspicua, commonly known as the Black Dash, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in the upper Midwest and central Atlantic regions of North America, specializing in shrubby wetland habitats. The species has a single annual generation, with adults active from June through August. Larval development depends on sedges in the genus Carex.
Euphyes dion
Dion Skipper, Alabama Skipper
Euphyes dion is a skipper butterfly native to eastern and central North America. Adults are active from July to early August in northern populations and from May to September in southern populations, where two generations occur per year. The species is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut. Larvae feed on sedges, while adults visit nectar sources including pickerelweed and buttonbush.
Euphyes dukesi
Dukes' skipper
Euphyes dukesi, known as Dukes' skipper, is a small wetland-associated skipper butterfly endemic to eastern North America. The species exhibits a fragmented distribution across three geographically isolated populations: the Atlantic coastal plain, the lower Mississippi Valley, and the Great Lakes region. It is strictly associated with shaded wetland habitats where sedges serve as larval host plants. The species was first described in 1923 from Alabama and named for collector W. C. Dukes. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form and the Florida-endemic E. d. calhouni, which occupies swamp habitats with distinct morphological differences.
Hypocoena inquinata
Tufted Sedge Moth, Sordid Wainscot
Hypocoena inquinata, commonly known as the Tufted Sedge Moth or Sordid Wainscot, is a small noctuid moth native to North America. The species has a transcontinental distribution across Canada with southern extensions into the United States. Adults are active during mid-summer, and the larvae are specialized feeders on sedges.
Neonympha areolatus
Georgia Satyr
Neonympha areolatus, commonly known as the Georgia satyr, is a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is native to North America, with populations concentrated in the southeastern United States. The species inhabits wetland and grassland habitats, particularly areas with sedges. Like other satyrs, it exhibits a low, bouncing flight pattern and often rests with wings closed.
Poanes massasoit
mulberry wing
Poanes massasoit, commonly known as the mulberry wing, is a small skipper butterfly native to eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 22–29 mm and are characterized by their distinctive wing patterning. The species is associated with wetland habitats where its larval host plants, primarily sedges in the genus Carex, grow. It has been documented from the East Coast of the United States through the Great Lakes region and into southern Canada.