Skipper
Guides
Pholisora mejicanus
Mexican Sootywing
Pholisora mejicanus, commonly known as the Mexican Sootywing, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is distributed from the southwestern United States through most of Mexico, occupying open habitats including disturbed roadsides, railways, and mountainous gulches. The species exhibits rapid, darting flight typical of skippers and can be distinguished from similar Pholisora species by the blue-gray underside of its hindwings with contrasting black veins.
Piruna haferniki
Chisos Skipperling
Piruna haferniki, known as the Chisos Skipperling, is a species of intermediate skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It was described by Freeman in 1970. The species is found in Central America and North America, with its common name referencing the Chisos Mountains region in Texas.
Poanes
Poanes is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, erected by Samuel Hubbard Scudder in 1872. The genus is distributed throughout North and Central America. In 2019, several species were transferred to the new genus Lon, reducing Poanes to six recognized species. The genus is characterized by larvae that feed on grasses and sedges.
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.
Poanes melane
umber skipper
Poanes melane, commonly known as the umber skipper, is a butterfly species in the family Hesperiidae. It has been recorded in butterfly monitoring studies in Central California, where it occurs in dry vegetation habitats. The species is associated with specific host plants including Euthamia (goldentops) and Epilobium (willowherbs/fireweeds).
Poanes taxiles
Taxiles Skipper
Poanes taxiles is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This species is closely related to Poanes melane (Umber Skipper), with which it has been historically confused or synonymized. Like other Poanes skippers, it is associated with grassland and riparian habitats. Adults are active during warmer months and visit a variety of flowering plants for nectar.
Poanes viator
Broad-winged Skipper
Poanes viator, commonly known as the broad-winged skipper, is a skipper butterfly native to North America. The species ranges across a broad geographic area from the southern United States through eastern Canada. Larvae develop on specific host plants including sedges and common reed.
Poanes yehl
Yehl Skipper
Poanes yehl, the Yehl Skipper, is a small to medium-sized skipper butterfly of the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in the southeastern and south-central United States, where adults are active from spring through fall and feed on nectar from various flowering plants. The species shows sexual dimorphism in hindwing coloration.
Polites baracoa
baracoa skipper, little tawny edge skipper
Polites baracoa is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is found in the Caribbean and North America. The species is recognized by two subspecies: P. b. baracoa and P. b. loma. It is assigned Hodges number 4040.
Polites carus
Carus Skipper
Polites carus, commonly known as the carus skipper, is a species of grass skipper in the butterfly family Hesperiidae. It is a North American butterfly with limited documentation in scientific literature. The species was originally described as Pamphila carus by W.H. Edwards in 1883. It has been assigned the MONA or Hodges number 4015 for North American Lepidoptera identification.
Polites draco
Draco Skipper, Rocky Mountain Skipper, Dragon Skipper
Polites draco, commonly known as the Draco Skipper or Rocky Mountain Skipper, is a small butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is distributed across the Rocky Mountain region from Arizona north to the Yukon Territory. The species has one generation per year, with adults active from June to early August. Its larvae feed on grasses, while adults visit flowers for nectar.
Polites peckius
Peck's Skipper
Polites peckius, commonly known as Peck's Skipper, is a North American grass skipper in the family Hesperiidae. It is widely distributed across northern and central North America, from British Columbia to Labrador in Canada and throughout most of the northern and central United States. The species produces two to three generations annually and is active from May through October. Adults feed on nectar from flowers including red clover, purple vetch, and thistles, while larvae consume various grasses.
Polites sabuleti
Sandhill Skipper, Saltgrass Skipper
Polites sabuleti is a small grassland skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, native to western North America from southern British Columbia to Baja California and east to the Rocky Mountains. It has been introduced to Hawaii. The species is notable for its association with weedy grasses including Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), and has experienced significant population declines in parts of its range, particularly in California's Sierra Valley.
Polites sonora
Sonoran skipper, western long dash
Polites sonora is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae found along the Pacific coast of North America. It has a wingspan of 25–27 mm and exhibits one generation annually in Canada, flying from mid-July to mid-August. Research indicates this species overwinters as eggs, with snowpack providing insulating protection that positively influences adult emergence success. Climate change poses significant threats through warming winters and reduced snow cover.
Polygonus
Polygonus is a genus of spread-winged skippers (family Hesperiidae, subfamily Pyrginae) distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. The genus was established by Hübner in 1825. Species in this genus are characterized by their distinctive resting posture with wings held partially open rather than folded vertically. The genus is well-represented in citizen science observations, with over 2,700 records documented.
Polygonus savigny
Manuel's skipper
Polygonus savigny, commonly known as Manuel's skipper, is a dicot skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species was originally described as Hesperia savigny by Latreille in 1824. It occurs in North America, where it has been documented in at least 336 iNaturalist observations. The species is classified within the genus Polygonus, which belongs to the skipper butterfly group characterized by rapid, darting flight patterns.
Pompeius
Pompeius is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, established by Evans in 1955. These are small to medium-sized butterflies with the characteristic rapid, darting flight pattern typical of skippers. The genus is part of the subfamily Hesperiinae, commonly known as grass skippers.
Pompeius verna
Pompeius verna is a species of skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) described by Edwards in 1862. The species is currently accepted under this combination, though it was formerly placed in the genus Vernia. Distribution records indicate presence in North America, with specific occurrence in Vermont, United States. As a member of the subfamily Hesperiinae, it belongs to the grass skipper group, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Proteides mercurius
Mercurial Skipper
Proteides mercurius, commonly known as the Mercurial Skipper, is a species of dicot skipper in the butterfly family Hesperiidae. It is found across a broad geographic range including the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1787 and includes five recognized subspecies. It is assigned Hodges number 3868 in the North American moth numbering system.
Proteides mercurius mercurius
Mercurial Skipper
Proteides mercurius mercurius is a subspecies of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is part of the widespread Mercurial Skipper complex, which occurs across the Americas from the southern United States through the Caribbean and into South America. The nominate subspecies is distinguished by its distribution and subtle morphological differences from other subspecies. It is a medium-sized skipper with rapid, darting flight characteristic of the family.
Pseudocopaeodes
Pseudocopaeodes is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, described by Skinner & Williams in 1923. The genus contains a single recognized species, Pseudocopaeodes eunus (alkali skipper). As a hesperiine skipper, it belongs to the grass skipper subfamily. The genus is native to western North America.
Pyrginae
Spread-wing Skippers, Spread-winged Skippers
Pyrginae is a subfamily of skipper butterflies (family Hesperiidae) distinguished by their characteristic spread-wing resting posture, in contrast to the folded-wing posture of Hesperiinae. Members are commonly known as spread-wing skippers. The subfamily was established by Hermann Burmeister in 1878 and has undergone considerable taxonomic revision, with evolutionary relationships of many genera largely resolved by 2009. Pyrginae is one of two or three skipper subfamilies found in California, alongside Hesperiinae and Heteropterinae.
Pyrgus
Grizzled Skippers, Checkered Skippers
Pyrgus is a genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as grizzled skippers. The genus occurs primarily in the Holarctic region, with some species extending into the Neotropics. Following a major taxonomic revision in 2019, most New World species were moved to other genera (Burnsius, Chirgus, Heliopetes), leaving only four Pyrgus species in the Americas: P. centaureae, P. ruralis, P. scriptura, and P. xanthus. The genus is characterized by small butterflies with checkered or grizzled wing patterns.
Pyrgus centaureae
Northern Grizzled Skipper
A skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, found in mountainous regions of Scandinavia. Adults fly in June and July. The species has been documented to switch larval foodplants between years of development.
Pyrgus centaureae freija
Freija's Grizzled Skipper
Pyrgus centaureae freija is a subspecies of grizzled skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It was originally described as a full species by Warren in 1924, but is currently treated as a subspecies of Pyrgus centaureae. The taxon is considered a synonym of Pyrgus wyandot in some classifications. It is a member of the diverse Pyrgus genus, commonly known as checkered-skippers or grizzled skippers.
Pyrgus centaureae loki
Pyrgus centaureae loki is a subspecies of the Northern Grizzled Skipper, a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is one of several recognized subspecies of Pyrgus centaureae, a species distributed across northern regions of Europe and North America. The subspecies was described by Evans in 1953. Like other members of the genus Pyrgus, it is characterized by a checkered wing pattern and rapid, darting flight behavior typical of skippers.
Pyrgus centaureae wyandot
Appalachian Grizzled Skipper
Pyrgus centaureae wyandot is a subspecies of northern grizzled skipper endemic to the Appalachian Highlands and Northern Michigan. It is a small butterfly with distinctive checkered wing patterns and low, erratic flight. The subspecies is listed as federally threatened and state endangered in Ohio and New Jersey due to habitat loss and pesticide exposure. Populations have declined significantly from insecticide spraying targeting spongy moth outbreaks.
Pyrgus ruralis
Two-banded Checkered-Skipper, Two-banded Checkered Skipper
Pyrgus ruralis is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the two-banded checkered skipper. It occurs across western North America from southern British Columbia and the Rocky Mountains south to central California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. The species has one generation annually, with adults active from April to July. A federally endangered subspecies, P. r. lagunae (Laguna Mountains skipper), persists in a restricted range in the mountains east of San Diego, California.
Pyrgus scriptura
Small Checkered-Skipper, small checkered skipper
Pyrgus scriptura is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the small checkered skipper. It occurs across the western and central United States and southern Canada. The species has two generations per year and is associated with open, dry habitats. Larvae feed on plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae), particularly Sida hederacea.
Pyrgus xanthus
Mountain Checkered-Skipper
Pyrgus xanthus, commonly known as the mountain checkered skipper, is a species of spread-wing skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species was described by Edwards in 1878. It is currently treated as a synonym of Pyrgus ruralis in some taxonomic databases, though this synonymy status varies among sources. The species is recorded from North America.
Quasimellana
Quasimellana is a genus of skippers (family Hesperiidae) erected by John Burns in 1994 to accommodate 24 species previously scattered across multiple genera, with Quasimellana mexicana as the type species. The genus spans northern Argentina to the southern United States and is divided into three species groups (eulogius, sethos, and nicomedes) based on morphology and distribution patterns. Fourteen species occur in North America. Male wingspans range from 11.4 to 17.9 mm, with most species averaging 14–16 mm.
Spathilepia
Falcate Skipper
Spathilepia is a monotypic genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Eudaminae. The sole species, Spathilepia clonius, is known as the Falcate Skipper. The genus was established by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1870. It is distributed from the southern United States through Central America and into South America.
Spathilepia clonius
Falcate Skipper
Spathilepia clonius, commonly known as the Falcate Skipper, is the sole species in the monotypic genus Spathilepia within the skipper family Hesperiidae. This butterfly ranges from the southern United States through Central America and into South America as far as Argentina. It is a member of the subfamily Eudaminae, a group characterized by their robust bodies and rapid, darting flight patterns. The species has been documented across diverse tropical and subtropical habitats.
Spicauda simplicius
Plain Longtail
Spicauda simplicius, commonly known as the plain longtail, is a neotropical skipper butterfly with a broad distribution from northern Mexico to northern Argentina. It exhibits cryptic brown coloration with elongated hindwing tails characteristic of the genus. The species is highly adaptable, thriving in both degraded open habitats and closed forests, and has been observed in urban environments. It is among the most abundant hesperiids in its range, with stable populations active year-round in suitable climates. The species feeds exclusively on plants in the bean family (Fabaceae) and has been documented using numerous agricultural and wild host plants.
Spicauda tanna
Tanna Longtail
Spicauda tanna, commonly known as the Tanna Longtail, is a skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) distributed from South America northward through Central America to Mexico, with rare strays reaching southern Texas. The species has a wingspan of 33–38 mm and is active during the latter half of the year in its core range. Its larval host plant remains unknown, and adult feeding habits have not been directly documented.
Stallingsia maculosus
Manfreda Giant-Skipper, Manfreda Giant Skipper
Stallingsia maculosus, commonly known as the manfreda giant skipper, is a butterfly species in the family Hesperiidae. It was originally described as Megathymus maculosus by Freeman in 1955 before being transferred to the genus Stallingsia. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. It is classified within the subfamily Hesperiinae, which includes most grass skipper butterflies.
Staphylus ceos
golden-headed scallopwing
Staphylus ceos, commonly known as the golden-headed scallopwing, is a spread-wing skipper in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species was described by Edwards in 1882 and was originally placed in the genus Pholisora.
Staphylus hayhurstii
Hayhurst's scallopwing
Hayhurst's scallopwing is a small skipper butterfly found across the eastern and central United States. Adults have a wingspan of 25–32 mm and are active from spring through late summer, with extended flight periods in southern regions. The species shows variable seasonality, with two generations in most of its range but year-round activity possible in Florida.
Staphylus mazans
Mazans Scallopwing
Staphylus mazans, commonly known as the Mazans Scallopwing, is a spread-wing skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species occurs across Central America and North America, with four recognized subspecies showing geographic variation. Subspecies include the nominate S. m. mazans, S. m. ascaphalus, S. m. hayhurstii, and S. m. tierra. The species has been documented in diverse habitats including riparian corridors, sandy areas, and botanical gardens.
Stinga
Stinga is a genus of skippers (family Hesperiidae) established by Evans in 1955. The genus contains at least one recognized species, Stinga morrisoni. Skippers in this genus are part of the subfamily Hesperiinae, commonly known as grass skippers. The genus has been documented in entomological collections and databases, with 142 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Stinga morrisoni
Morrison's skipper
Stinga morrisoni, commonly known as Morrison's skipper, is a species of grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It was first described by William Henry Edwards in 1878, originally placed in the genus Pamphila. The species is distributed across North America and parts of Middle America. As a member of the Hesperiinae subfamily, it exhibits the characteristic rapid, darting flight pattern typical of grass skippers.
Synapte pecta
Northern Faceted Skipper
Synapte pecta is a skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) described by Evans in 1955. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Synapte malitiosa, though it is still referenced by its original name in some contexts. The species is commonly known as the Northern Faceted Skipper. It belongs to the subfamily Hesperiinae, a diverse group of grass-feeding skippers.
Systasea
Powdered-Skippers
Systasea is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, established by Edwards in 1877 as a replacement for the preoccupied name Lintneria. The genus comprises three recognized species distributed in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Members are commonly known as Powdered-Skippers and are characterized by distinctive wing morphology including transparent spots on the forewing and deeply notched hindwing margins.
Systasea pulverulenta
Texas Powdered Skipper
Systasea pulverulenta, commonly known as the Texas Powdered Skipper, is a small butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It ranges from southern and western Texas through Mexico to Guatemala. Adults are active year-round in southern Texas, with flight recorded from February through December. The species is associated with Malvaceae host plants for larval development.
Systasea zampa
Arizona Powdered-Skipper
Systasea zampa, known as the Arizona Powdered-Skipper, is a spread-wing skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with records from Arizona and adjacent regions. The species is considered uncommon to rare in many parts of its range, with adults active in early spring. It is one of three species in the genus Systasea, all characterized by distinctive wing morphology.
Telegonus
Telegonus is a genus of skipper butterflies (family Hesperiidae, subfamily Pyrginae) established by Hübner in 1819. The genus is currently treated as a synonym of Astraptes. Species historically placed in Telegonus are distributed in the Neotropical region.
Telegonus alardus
Frosted Flasher
Telegonus alardus, commonly known as the frosted flasher, is a dicot skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species is broadly distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. Three subspecies are recognized, with the nominate subspecies described by Stoll in 1790.
Telegonus alector
Gilbert's Flasher
Telegonus alector, known as Gilbert's Flasher, is a skipper butterfly (Hesperiidae) found from North America through Middle America to South America. The species was originally described as Eudamus alector by C. and R. Felder in 1867. Taxonomic treatment varies: GBIF treats this name as a synonym of Astraptes alector, while iNaturalist and NCBI retain it under Telegonus. It is a well-documented species with nearly 900 iNaturalist observations.
Telegonus anaphus
yellow-tipped flasher, dull astraptes
Telegonus anaphus is a skipper butterfly in the subfamily Eudaminae, distributed from Argentina through Central America to Mexico and the West Indies, with occasional strays reaching southern Texas. Adults have a wingspan of 51–64 mm and exhibit distinct seasonal flight patterns across their range. The species is known to utilize Fabaceae vines as larval host plants. Multiple subspecies have been described across its broad geographic range.
Telegonus tsongae
Qian's Flasher
Telegonus tsongae, commonly known as Qian's Flasher, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species was formally described by Nick Grishin in 2023, making it a relatively recent addition to the genus Telegonus. The genus Telegonus is part of the skipper butterfly group, characterized by rapid, darting flight patterns. The specific epithet 'tsongae' honors an individual, following standard taxonomic naming conventions.