Skipper
Guides
Cogia calchas
mimosa skipper
Cogia calchas, commonly known as the mimosa skipper, is a dicot skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning North, Central, and South America. The common name references its association with plants in the genus Mimosa. It is a member of the subfamily Eudaminae, which includes many skipper species with distinctive rapid flight patterns.
Cogia hippalus
Acacia Skipper
Cogia hippalus, commonly known as the Acacia Skipper, is a species of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is distributed across the Americas from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America into South America. The species is associated with acacia habitats and has been documented in arid and semi-arid regions.
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 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 trebius
Cymaenes trebius is a synonym of Cymaenes odilia, a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It was described by Mabille in 1891. The species is known from distribution records on San Andrés, a Colombian island in the Caribbean Sea. As a synonym, this name is no longer in active use for current taxonomy.
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.
Eantis tamenund
sickle-winged skipper
Eantis tamenund, commonly called the sickle-winged skipper, is a spread-wing skipper in the family Hesperiidae. The species occurs across a broad range from Argentina through tropical America and the West Indies to the southern United States, with occasional strays reaching as far north as Arkansas and Kansas. The common name refers to the distinctive wing shape characteristic of this species. Taxonomic history includes placement in the genus Achlyodes, with which it shares many morphological traits.
Ectomis
Ectomis is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Eudaminae. The genus was established by Mabille in 1878 and contains approximately 30 recognized species distributed across the Neotropical and southern Nearctic regions. Species within Ectomis exhibit considerable variation in wing pattern and distribution, with many restricted to specific regions of Central and South America. The genus is divided into two subgeneric groupings: Ectomis (Ectomis) and Ectomis (Asina).
Ectomis octomaculata
Eight-spotted Longtail
Ectomis octomaculata is a species of skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) found throughout the Americas, from the Caribbean through Middle America to North and South America. The species is commonly known as the Eight-spotted Longtail, referring to the characteristic pattern of spots on its wings and the elongated tail-like projection on the hindwing typical of many hesperiids. Taxonomically, it has been treated as a synonym of Polythrix octomaculata in some classifications, though sources such as NCBI and iNaturalist maintain it under the genus Ectomis.
Epargyreus
Silverdrops, Flasher butterflies
Epargyreus is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as silverdrops or flasher butterflies. The genus name derives from Greek argyros meaning 'silver,' referring to the characteristic white spot on the ventral hindwing. Species occur across the Nearctic and Neotropical realms, with the best-known species being Epargyreus clarus (silver-spotted skipper), which ranges from southern Canada through the United States to South America. Larvae construct distinctive leaf shelters using silk and are known for 'frass-shooting' behavior—expelling excrement up to 40 times their body length away from their shelters.
Epargyreus clarus
Silver-spotted Skipper
Epargyreus clarus, commonly known as the silver-spotted skipper, is one of the largest and most widespread skippers in North America. Adults are readily identified by a prominent silver-white patch on the ventral surface of each hindwing. The species is multivoltine, with one to four generations per year depending on latitude, and exhibits strikingly higher pupal mortality during summer generations compared to overwintering generations. Larvae construct elaborate silk-lashed leaf shelters that provide limited protection from predators.
Epargyreus zestos
zestos skipper, rusty skipper
Epargyreus zestos is a species of dicot skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in the Caribbean and North America. A recognized subspecies, E. zestos inaguarum, has been described. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are known for constructing silk shelters from folded leaves.
Ephyriades
Ephyriades is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Pyrginae. The genus was established by Hübner in 1819. All species are restricted to Central America and the Caribbean region. Several species are commonly referred to as duskywings due to their dark wing coloration.
Erynnis afranius
Afranius Duskywing, Bald Duskywing
Erynnis afranius, commonly known as the Afranius duskywing or bald duskywing, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs across a broad range from northern Mexico through the central United States to southern Canada. The species is bivoltine, with two generations flying from mid-May to late August. Larvae feed on leguminous host plants including Lupinus, Lotus, and Thermopsis species.
Erynnis baptisiae
wild indigo duskywing
Erynnis baptisiae, commonly known as the wild indigo duskywing, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Ontario and New England west to Nebraska and south to Texas and the Gulf Coast. The species is strongly associated with leguminous host plants, particularly wild indigo (Baptisia) species, from which it derives both its common and scientific names. It has been observed in prairie, open woodland, and grassland habitats.
Erynnis brizo
Sleepy Duskywing, Banded Oak Duskywing
Erynnis brizo is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, found throughout North America. Adults are commonly confused with E. juvenalis and E. lucilius. The species is listed as threatened in Connecticut and Maine. Larvae feed on scrub oaks, while adults nectar from heath family flowers and other sources.
Erynnis funeralis
Funereal Duskywing
Erynnis funeralis, commonly known as the funereal duskywing, is a medium-sized skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It ranges from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America to South America. The species is distinguished from similar duskywings by its narrow forewing with a white fringe on the hindwing. Adults are active from February to October, with larvae feeding on various leguminous plants.
Erynnis horatius
Horace's duskywing
Erynnis horatius, commonly known as Horace's duskywing, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is distributed across much of the eastern and central United States, with populations extending from Massachusetts to Florida and westward to the Great Plains and southwestern states. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing coloration and is closely associated with oak woodlands throughout its range. It is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut.
Erynnis juvenalis clitus
Clitus Duskywing
Erynnis juvenalis clitus is a subspecies of the Juvenal's Duskywing skipper, a small brown butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is distributed across central and eastern North America, with records from Canada through the United States. The subspecies is active in early spring, with adults flying from April through May. It is one of several difficult-to-distinguish duskywing skippers in the genus Erynnis.
Erynnis juvenalis juvenalis
Northern Juvenal's Duskywing, Juvenal's Duskywing
Erynnis juvenalis juvenalis is a subspecies of duskywing skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is active in early spring, with adults flying during April and May. The species is notoriously difficult to identify from related taxa based on dorsal wing patterns alone. It has been documented in prairie and fen habitats in the central United States.
Erynnis lucilius
Columbine Duskywing
Erynnis lucilius, the columbine duskywing, is a small skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) native to northeastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 21–29 mm and appear in shades of brown. The species is associated with rocky deciduous woodlands and ravines, where its larvae feed on columbine (Aquilegia) leaves. Two generations occur annually in eastern populations, with adults active from early May to mid-June.
Erynnis martialis
Mottled Duskywing
Erynnis martialis, the mottled duskywing, is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs across much of the eastern United States and parts of southern Canada. The species is closely associated with oak savanna habitats and has experienced significant population declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation. It is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut, where it is believed extirpated.
Erynnis meridianus
Meridian Duskywing
Erynnis meridianus, commonly known as the meridian duskywing, is a spread-wing skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species was described by Bell in 1927. It occurs in Central America and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: Erynnis meridianus meridianus and Erynnis meridianus fieldi.
Erynnis pacuvius
Pacuvius Duskywing, Dyar's Duskywing, Buckthorn Duskywing
Erynnis pacuvius is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, found in western North America. The species has a wingspan of 29–33 mm and exhibits a flight period between June and July in northern populations, with a second generation occurring in southern portions of its range. Larvae feed on Ceanothus species.
Erynnis persius
Persius Duskywing
Erynnis persius, the Persius duskywing, is a butterfly species in the family Hesperiidae native to North America. The species exhibits a single annual generation with larvae hibernating and pupating in spring. The eastern subspecies E. p. persius is of particular conservation concern, being rare and in severe decline due to habitat loss and decline of its obligate host plant, wild blue lupine (Lupinus perennis). Adults are difficult to distinguish from other duskywing skippers without close examination.
Erynnis propertius
Propertius duskywing, Propertius Dusky-Wing
Erynnis propertius, commonly known as the Propertius duskywing, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs along the Pacific coast of North America from southern British Columbia to Baja California Norte and is one of the most frequently encountered skippers in California. The species has been studied at the northern edge of its range, where peripheral populations face habitat loss threats but may contribute to poleward range expansion under warming conditions.
Erynnis scudderi
Scudder's Duskywing
Erynnis scudderi is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, known commonly as Scudder's Duskywing. It belongs to the diverse and taxonomically challenging genus Erynnis, whose species are often difficult to distinguish from one another. The species is recognized as valid and accepted in major taxonomic databases. Like other duskywings, it is likely associated with specific host plants in the caterpillar stage, though detailed life history information for this particular species appears limited in available sources.
Erynnis telemachus
Rocky Mountain duskywing
Erynnis telemachus, the Rocky Mountain duskywing, is a spread-wing skipper in the family Hesperiidae. It is found in North America.
Erynnis tristis
Mournful Duskywing
Erynnis tristis, the mournful duskywing, is a spread-wing skipper in the butterfly family Hesperiidae. It is broadly distributed across the Americas, with documented presence in North, Central, and South America. The species shows notable habitat flexibility, occurring in both natural and urban environments. Adults nectar from diverse flower sources while larvae develop on oak foliage.
Erynnis zarucco
Zarucco Duskywing
Erynnis zarucco is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, distributed from southern Ontario through the southeastern United States. Adults have a wingspan of 32–38 mm and exhibit dark, muted coloration typical of duskywing skippers. The species has multiple generations annually, with three broods in the deep south and two in northern portions of its range. Larvae feed on Fabaceae, including both woody and herbaceous members of this plant family.
Euphyes arpa
Palmetto Skipper
Euphyes arpa, commonly known as the Palmetto Skipper, is a butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States, with its range centered on Florida and extending into adjacent states. It is closely associated with saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) habitats, where larvae feed exclusively on fronds and adults nectar at flowers. Despite having an abundant food source, the species is declining for reasons that remain unclear, and it has been assessed as vulnerable by NatureServe.
Euphyes bimacula
Two-spotted Skipper
Euphyes bimacula, the two-spotted skipper, is a small butterfly in the family Hesperiidae found across eastern and central North America. It is distinguished by dark brown upperside wings and pale tawny orange undersides, with a wingspan of 25–30 mm. The species is listed as endangered in Connecticut. Larvae feed specifically on Carex trichocarpa, while adults nectar on several flowering plants including pickerelweed and common milkweed.
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 pilatka
Palatka Skipper, Saw-grass Skipper
Euphyes pilatka, commonly known as the Palatka skipper or saw-grass skipper, is a butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is strongly associated with sawgrass marshes in the southeastern United States, where its larvae feed exclusively on Cladium jamaicensis. The species has a restricted coastal distribution and is notable for its specialized habitat requirements.
Euphyes vestris
Dun Skipper, Sedge Witch, Dun Sedge Skipper
Euphyes vestris is a skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) found across much of North America. Adults have a single annual generation in July and are associated with sedge-dominated habitats. The species shows notable geographic variation with several described subspecies, including disjunct populations in western mountain and coastal regions. Larval development depends on sedges (Cyperaceae), while adults visit diverse flowering plants for nectar.
Gesta
Gesta is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Pyrginae. The genus was established by Evans in 1953 and contains multiple species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Skippers in this genus exhibit the characteristic rapid, darting flight pattern typical of the Hesperiidae family. The genus is part of the diverse skipper radiation in the Americas.
Gesta invisus
False Duskywing
Gesta invisus, commonly known as the false duskywing, is a species of spread-wing skipper in the family Hesperiidae. It was first described by Arthur Gardiner Butler and Herbert Druce in 1872. The species is distributed across Central and North America. Like other skippers, it exhibits the characteristic rapid, darting flight pattern typical of the family. The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 3943.
Gorgythion
Spread-winged Skippers
Gorgythion is a genus of skippers (family Hesperiidae) in the subfamily Pyrginae, commonly known as Spread-winged Skippers. The genus was established by Godman and Salvin in 1896 and is native to North America. Species in this genus are characterized by their distinctive wing posture at rest, with wings held partially open rather than folded vertically.
Gorgythion begga
Variegated Skipper
Gorgythion begga, commonly known as the Variegated Skipper, is a species of butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It belongs to the subfamily Pyrginae, a group commonly referred to as the spread-winged skippers. The species was first described by Prittwitz in 1868 under the basionym Hesperia begga. Records indicate presence across Middle America, North America, and South America, with specific locality records from Villavicencio.
Grais
Grais is a genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, established by Godman and Salvin in 1894. The genus belongs to the subfamily Pyrginae, commonly known as spread-winged skippers. Members of this genus are found in the Neotropical region. The genus has been documented in citizen science platforms with over 600 observations.
Grais stigmaticus
Hermit Skipper
Grais stigmaticus, commonly known as the hermit skipper, is the sole species in the monotypic genus Grais. This skipper butterfly has a broad distribution spanning from the southwestern United States through Central America to Argentina, with populations also present in Jamaica. The species was first described by Mabille in 1883 under the basionym Anastrus stigmaticus. As a member of the family Hesperiidae, it exhibits the characteristic rapid, darting flight pattern typical of skippers.
Heliopetes alana
Alana White-Skipper
Heliopetes alana, commonly known as the Alana White-Skipper, is a species of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species was originally described as Pyrgus alana by Reakirt in 1868 and later transferred to the genus Heliopetes. It belongs to the subfamily Pyrginae, a group of skippers commonly referred to as spread-winged skippers or firetips. The genus Heliopetes contains approximately 10 species distributed primarily in the Americas.
Heliopetes elonmuski
SpaceX White-Skipper
Heliopetes elonmuski is a species of skipper butterfly described by Grishin in 2023. It belongs to the genus Heliopetes within the family Hesperiidae. The common name "SpaceX White-Skipper" references Elon Musk and his aerospace company. The species has been documented in 175 iNaturalist observations.
Heliopetes ericetorum
Northern White-Skipper
Heliopetes ericetorum is a skipper butterfly in the family 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 species produces two broods annually and adults 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.
Heliopetes macaira
Turk's-cap White-Skipper
Heliopetes macaira is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, ranging from southern Texas through Central America to Paraguay. It is closely associated with Turk's-cap (Malvaviscus drummondii), which serves as its larval host plant. Adults are active from spring through late autumn in the northern part of its range, with multiple generations produced annually.
Heliopyrgus sublinea
East-Mexican white-skipper
Heliopyrgus sublinea, commonly known as the East-Mexican white-skipper, is a species of spread-wing skipper in the butterfly family Hesperiidae. The species was described by Schaus in 1902. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Heliopetes sublinea, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revisions within the genus. The species has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 3970.1 for North American lepidopteran identification systems.
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.