Skipper
Guides
Achalarus lyciades
Hoary Edge
Achalarus lyciades, commonly known as the Hoary Edge, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is a medium-sized species with distinctive wing patterning and is associated with leguminous host plants. The species occurs in eastern North America and is active during the warmer months. Adults are known to visit flowers for nectar.
Achalarus toxeus
Coyote Cloudywing, Coyote Skipper
Achalarus toxeus is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the Coyote Cloudywing or Coyote Skipper. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species was historically placed in the genus Thorybes but is now classified in Achalarus based on morphological and molecular evidence.
Agathymus
giant-skippers
Agathymus is a genus of large skipper butterflies described by H.A. Freeman in 1959. The genus comprises approximately 30 species distributed across arid regions of North America from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Costa Rica. Larvae are specialized stem-borers in agave plants, making this genus ecologically dependent on desert agave communities. Species are commonly known as giant-skippers.
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 neumoegeni
orange giant-skipper, Neumogen's giant-skipper, Neumogen's agave borer, Neumogen's moth-skipper, tawny giant-skipper
Agathymus neumoegeni, the orange giant-skipper, is a large skipper butterfly of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults are univoltine, flying in September and October, and are strongly associated with agave plants. The species is notable for its distinctive orange and black wing patterning and its unique life history involving caterpillars that bore into agave leaves. Males exhibit mud-puddling behavior while females are non-feeding.
Aguna
Aguna is a Neotropical genus of skipper butterflies (Hesperiidae) in the subfamily Eudaminae. Species in this genus are associated with Fabaceae host plants, particularly Bauhinia species. The genus was established by Williams in 1927 and contains multiple species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
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.
Amblyscirtes
Roadside-Skippers
Amblyscirtes is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as Roadside-Skippers. The genus was established by Samuel Hubbard Scudder in 1872. Species in this genus are small, relatively inconspicuous skippers found primarily in North America. The caterpillars feed on grasses, and adults are typically associated with open, disturbed habitats including roadsides and trails.
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 alternata
Dusky Roadside-Skipper, Blue-dusted Roadside Skipper
Amblyscirtes alternata, commonly known as the Dusky Roadside-Skipper or Blue-dusted Roadside Skipper, is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in the southeastern and south-central United States, from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas. Adults are active from spring through late summer, with multiple generations per year in warmer regions.
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 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 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).
Amblyscirtes vialis
Common Roadside-Skipper, Common Roadside Skipper
Amblyscirtes vialis, the Common Roadside-Skipper, is a small grass skipper (Hesperiidae) distributed across much of North America. Adults fly from March through July, with a partial second generation in southern populations extending into September. The species is listed as endangered in Connecticut.
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.
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 numitor
Least Skipper
Ancyloxypha numitor, commonly known as the least skipper, is a small North American butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is distinguished by rounded wings, a slender body, and checkered antennae lacking hooks. The species exhibits weak, fluttering flight reminiscent of Satyrinae butterflies. It completes multiple broods annually and overwinters as a larva.
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 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 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 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
Autochton is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Eudaminae. The genus was historically classified within the spread-winged skippers (Pyrginae) as a tribe before recognition of Eudaminae as a distinct subfamily. Species in this genus occur from Mexico through Central America to South America. The genus includes approximately 20 described species.
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
New World Checkered-Skippers
Burnsius is a genus of New World checkered-skippers in the butterfly family Hesperiidae, erected by Nick V. Grishin in 2019 based on genomic analysis of 250 representative skipper species. The genus was created to contain approximately 12 species formerly classified in Pyrgus, with the number of described species later expanding to 14. These butterflies are characterized by their distinctive checkered wing patterns and are found exclusively in the New World.
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 oileus
Tropical Checkered-Skipper
A small skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) found from the southern United States through the Neotropics. Adults are active year-round in tropical regions and during warmer months in temperate areas. The species was transferred from genus Pyrgus to Burnsius in 2019 based on molecular phylogenetic studies.
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.
Calpodes ethlius
Brazilian Skipper, Larger Canna Leafroller, Canna Skipper
Calpodes ethlius is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the Brazilian skipper or canna skipper. It is notable for its broad Neotropical distribution, ranging from the southern United States through Central America to Argentina. The species is strongly associated with Canna plants, whose leaves its larvae roll into protective shelters. Adults feed on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, with specific preferences varying by region.
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.
Carterocephalus skada
Western Arctic Skipper
Carterocephalus skada, commonly known as the Western Arctic Skipper, is a species of butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It belongs to the genus Carterocephalus, which includes several Arctic and subarctic skipper species. The species is part of a group of butterflies adapted to cooler climates and northern latitudes.
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.
Chioides
Chioides is a Neotropical genus of skipper butterflies established by Lindsey in 1921. The genus comprises approximately ten recognized species distributed from the southwestern United States through Central America to Argentina, with several species endemic to the Antilles. Members are characterized by robust bodies and distinctive hindwing tails, typical of the subfamily Eudaminae. The genus is well-represented in biodiversity databases with over 10,000 observations recorded.
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.