Skipper
Guides
Hesperia balcones
Hesperia balcones is a species of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, described by Grishin in 2023. The species epithet "balcones" refers to the Balcones Escarpment in Texas, indicating the geographic region where this species occurs. As a recently described taxon, detailed information about its biology and ecology remains limited.
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 comma
silver-spotted skipper, common branded skipper, Holarctic grass skipper
Hesperia comma is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae with a Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. The species exhibits strong habitat specificity for warm, open calcareous grasslands with sparse short vegetation. Males are highly territorial, and the species shows sexual dimorphism with males bearing a wide black sex brand on the forewing. In the United Kingdom, it was historically rare and restricted to chalk downlands of southern England but has experienced significant population recovery through targeted conservation efforts.
Hesperia comma hulbirti
Hesperia comma hulbirti is a subspecies of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, described by Lindsey in 1939. It belongs to the widespread Hesperia comma species complex, commonly known as the silver-spotted skipper or common branded skipper. As a subspecies, it represents a geographically defined population with distinct characteristics from the nominate form. The species complex has a broad distribution across multiple continents.
Hesperia comma manitoba
Hesperia comma manitoba is a subspecies of the common branded skipper, a butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. Originally described as Pamphila manitoba by Scudder in 1874, this taxon represents a North American population of the widespread Holarctic species Hesperia comma. The species complex shows notable geographic variation across its range.
Hesperia juba
Juba skipper, Yuba skipper, jagged-border skipper
Hesperia juba, commonly known as the Juba skipper, Yuba skipper, or jagged-border skipper, is a butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in western North America from British Columbia through California and eastward to the Rocky Mountain states. The species has two generations per year, with adults active in late spring and again in late summer. Larvae develop on specific grass species, while adults feed on flower nectar.
Hesperia leonardus pawnee
Pawnee Skipper
Hesperia leonardus pawnee, the Pawnee Skipper, is a subspecies of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is found in the Great Plains region of North America, with distribution records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, as well as the U.S. state of Vermont. As a member of the genus Hesperia, it belongs to a group commonly known as the "branded skippers." The subspecies was described by Dodge in 1874, originally as Hesperia pawnee before being reclassified as a subspecies of H. leonardus. iNaturalist records indicate this taxon has been observed 177 times, suggesting it is encountered with moderate frequency by naturalists.
Hesperia meskei straton
Eastern Meske's skipper
Eastern Meske's skipper is a subspecies of Hesperia meskei, a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in North America and is distinguished from related subspecies by geographic distribution and subtle morphological differences. The subspecies was described by W.H. Edwards in 1881.
Hesperia metea
Cobweb Skipper
Hesperia metea, the cobweb skipper, is a small grassland butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs across much of the eastern and central United States with a scattered, patchy distribution. The species has a single generation per year, with adults active in spring. Larvae feed on native prairie grasses, while adults visit low-growing flowers for nectar.
Hesperia nevada
Nevada Skipper
Hesperia nevada, commonly known as the Nevada Skipper, is a butterfly species in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in western North America from southern Canada through the western United States. The species belongs to a genus of skippers known for their rapid, darting flight patterns. Like other Hesperia species, adults likely have a characteristic stocky build with relatively large eyes.
Hesperia pahaska
Pahaska Skipper
Hesperia pahaska, commonly known as the Pahaska skipper, is a grassland butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is distributed across a narrow longitudinal band in central North America, from Texas northward through the Great Plains to southern Canada. The species is univoltine, with adults active in early summer. Larvae feed on specific native grasses including blue grama and fluff grass.
Hesperia sassacus
Indian Skipper
Hesperia sassacus, commonly known as the Indian skipper, is a small butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in northeastern North America, with a wingspan of 25–30 mm. Adults fly from late May to early July. The species has three recognized subspecies, with larvae feeding on various native grasses.
Hesperopsis alpheus
saltbush sootywing
Hesperopsis alpheus, commonly known as the saltbush sootywing, is a species of spread-wing skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in Central America and North America, with three recognized subspecies showing geographic variation across this range. The species was first described by W. H. Edwards in 1876 and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 3980.
Hesperopsis libya
Mojave sootywing, Mohave sootywing, Great Basin sootywing, Lena sooty wing
A small skipper butterfly of the family Hesperiidae, found in arid regions of western North America. Adults have a wingspan of 22–32 mm and exhibit variable flight periods depending on latitude, with multiple generations in southern California and single generations in northern parts of the range. The species is tightly associated with saltbush (Atriplex) host plants in alkaline desert environments.
Heteropterinae
Skipperlings
Heteropterinae is a subfamily of Hesperiidae (skippers) containing approximately 150 described species, commonly known as skipperlings. The subfamily is distinguished by specific morphological traits and includes genera such as Metisella in the Afrotropical region. Larvae of studied species feed exclusively on grasses (Poaceae). The subfamily occurs worldwide but is particularly documented from African and Malagasy regions.
Hylephila
Hylephila is a genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, first described by Billberg in 1820. The genus contains approximately 20 recognized species distributed primarily in the Americas, with notable species including Hylephila phyleus (the fiery skipper), which has been extensively studied for its response to climate change. Species within Hylephila are grouped into several species complexes based on morphological and genetic relationships, including the ignorans, venusta, boulleti, and phyleus groups.
Hylephila phyleus
Fiery Skipper
Hylephila phyleus, commonly known as the Fiery Skipper, is a small butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. Adults are approximately 2.5 cm long, with males displaying orange or yellow coloration with black spots and females appearing dark brown with orange or yellow spots. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range including North America, the Caribbean, Middle America, and Oceania. It is known to be active in late winter through fall, with records from January through November in California. The caterpillars feed on various grasses and are sometimes considered pests of turf grasses.
Lerema liris
Liris Skipper
Lerema liris is a species of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, described by Evans in 1955. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Lerema ancillaris. The species is known by the common name "Liris Skipper." As a hesperiine skipper, it belongs to a diverse group of butterflies characterized by rapid, darting flight patterns.
Lerema ochrius
Ocherous Skipper
Lerema ochrius is a species of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, described by Grishin in 2023. The species was recently separated from related taxa based on genetic and morphological evidence. It is known from the southern United States and Mexico.
Lerodea arabus
Violet-clouded Skipper, Olive-clouded Skipper
Lerodea arabus is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, found in Central America and North America. Despite its common name suggesting violet coloration, the species is relatively nondescript in appearance. The caterpillar feeds on Bermuda grass, barnyard grass, and other weedy grasses, yet the species is consistently described as rare in reference works.
Megathyminae
giant skippers, yucca giant skippers
Megathyminae is a subfamily of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as giant skippers. These are among the largest skippers, characterized by robust bodies, relatively small wings for their body size, and a strong association with succulent plants. The group contains approximately 20 species distributed primarily in arid regions of North America. Larvae are endophagous, feeding internally within the stems or roots of host plants, particularly yuccas and agaves.
Megathymus yuccae
Yucca Giant-skipper
Megathymus yuccae is a large, robust-bodied butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Megathyminae. It is an early-season species found across the southern United States in habitats supporting yucca plants, which serve as exclusive larval hosts. Adults are non-feeding, though males engage in mud-puddling behavior. The species is considered rare throughout its range.
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.
Nyctelius
Nyctelius is a genus of skippers (family Hesperiidae) established by Hayward in 1948. Skippers are a distinctive group of butterflies characterized by rapid, darting flight and hooked antennae clubs. The genus belongs to the subfamily Hesperiinae, the largest skipper subfamily containing many grass-feeding species.
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.
Ochlodes
Ochlodes is a Holarctic genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, tribe Hesperiini. The genus contains approximately 25 species distributed across North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of the Caribbean. Several species have been subject to taxonomic revision, with some forms debated as subspecies or synonyms. The woodland skipper (Ochlodes sylvanoides) and large skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus) are among the most frequently referenced species in ecological studies.
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.
Ochlodes sylvanoides
Woodland Skipper
Ochlodes sylvanoides, the Woodland Skipper, is a small orange-brown skipper butterfly found across western North America. Adults are active from midsummer through fall and feed on flower nectar. Larvae develop on various grass species in the family Poaceae. The species occupies diverse habitats including woodlands, grasslands, and urban gardens.
Ochlodes yuma
Yuma Skipper
Ochlodes yuma, commonly known as the Yuma skipper, is a grass skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) endemic to wetlands of western North America. The species is notable for its specialized relationship with common reed (Phragmites australis), which serves as its sole known larval host plant. Five subspecies have been described, reflecting geographic variation across its range. The species has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 4057.
Oligoria
Twin-spot skipper
Oligoria is a monotypic genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, containing only the species Oligoria maculata, commonly known as the twin-spot skipper. The genus was established by Scudder in 1872. The sole species is restricted to the southeastern United States, with coastal and Gulf distribution patterns.
Oligoria maculata
Twin-spot Skipper
A small skipper butterfly with rounded, brown-black wings marked by distinctive transparent spots. Adults fly from spring through late summer, with multiple generations per year. The species is restricted to coastal and near-coastal habitats of the southeastern United States, where larvae feed on grasses and adults visit flowers for nectar.
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 errans
Wandering Skipper
Panoquina errans is a butterfly species in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in Mexico and the United States. The species is commonly known as the Wandering Skipper.
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 ocola
Ocola Skipper, long-winged skipper
Panoquina ocola is a skipper butterfly with an exceptionally long forewing relative to its body, giving it a distinctive elongated silhouette. It ranges from Paraguay through tropical America and the West Indies to the southern United States, with occasional strays reaching as far north as Canada. The species is strongly associated with cultivated grasses and has been documented feeding on rice, sugarcane, and related wetland grasses.
Paratrytone
Paratrytone is a genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, established by Godman in 1900. The genus contains five recognized species distributed in North America. Some species, such as the Umber Skipper (Poanes melane, formerly placed in Paratrytone), are associated with riparian habitats and grassland ecosystems. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with at least one species transferred to another genus.
Pellicia
Pellicia is a genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Pyrginae. The genus contains approximately 15 described species distributed across the Neotropical region. Species were described primarily between 1870 and 1953 by lepidopterists including Herrich-Schäffer, Evans, Williams & Bell, and Plötz. The genus is distinguished from related skippers by specific wing pattern and genitalic characteristics, though detailed species-level biology remains poorly documented.
Perichares
green-banded ruby-eye
Perichares is a Neotropical genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, established by Scudder in 1872. The genus contains approximately seven described species distributed from Panama through northern South America to Brazil. One species, Perichares haworthiana, is commonly known as the green-banded ruby-eye. Species in this genus are characterized by their association with tropical forest habitats.
Perichares adela
Green-backed Ruby-eye
A Neotropical skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the Green-backed Ruby-eye. The species exhibits the rapid, darting flight characteristic of skippers and is associated with forested and edge habitats in its range. Adults are diurnal and have been documented in multiple countries across Central and South America.
Phocides
Guava Skipper (for Phocides polybius)
Phocides is a genus of skippers (family Hesperiidae) containing approximately 20 species, primarily distributed in the Neotropical region. The genus is the namesake of the tribe Phocidini within subfamily Eudaminae. Several species have distinctive common names, including Phocides polybius, known as the guava skipper. The genus extends from South America through Central America and the Caribbean, with a few species reaching the southern United States.
Phocides belus
Belus skipper, beautiful beamer
Phocides belus, commonly known as the Belus skipper or beautiful beamer, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It ranges from Mexico through Central America to Costa Rica, with occasional strays reaching southern Texas. The species is recognized by its distinctive powder-blue wing coloration.
Phocides pigmalion
Pigmalion Skipper
Phocides pigmalion, known as the Pigmalion Skipper, is a Neotropical butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species ranges from Central America to Argentina and has been subject to historical taxonomic confusion with related species Phocides batabano and Phocides bicolora. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form and P. p. hewitsonius.
Phocides polybius
guava skipper, bloody spot, Southern Guava Skipper
Phocides polybius, commonly known as the guava skipper or bloody spot, is a Neotropical butterfly in the skipper family Hesperiidae. First described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1793, this species ranges from the southernmost United States through Central America to Argentina. It is notable for its association with Psidium host plants, particularly guava, and is frequently observed at flowers where it allows close approach.
Phocides urania
Rainbow Skipper
Phocides urania, commonly known as the Rainbow Skipper, is a species of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is native to Middle America and is recognized for its colorful appearance. The species was originally described by Westwood in 1852 under the basionym Erycides urania. As a member of the subfamily Pyrginae, it belongs to a diverse group of skippers often associated with tropical and subtropical habitats.
Pholisora
sootywing
Pholisora is a genus of skippers (family Hesperiidae) established by Scudder in 1872. The genus contains at least two recognized species: the common sootywing (Pholisora catullus) and Pholisora mejicanus. Members are small, dark-colored butterflies often associated with disturbed habitats and weedy vegetation. The common sootywing has been documented in long-term butterfly monitoring studies, with populations showing significant decline in parts of its range.
Pholisora catullus
common sootywing, roadside rambler
Pholisora catullus, commonly known as the common sootywing or roadside rambler, is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species has experienced significant population declines in parts of its range, including regional extinction from Davis, California by 2007. It occurs from the central United States south to central Mexico, with vagrant individuals occasionally reaching more northern areas. The species is not found in peninsular Florida.