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Species Detail
Uncas Skipper
Hesperia uncas W.H. Edwards, 1863
Attributes of Hesperia uncasFamily: Skippers (Hesperiidae) Subfamily: Grass Skippers (Hesperiinae) Identification: Wings are brownish orange. Underside of hindwing has white veins, white spots extended along the veins, and black submarginal patches. Life history: Males perch on tops of small hills or mesas to await females. Females lay eggs singly on or near the host plants. Caterpillars eat leaves and take shelter in tied-up leaves. Flight: One brood from June-July in high elevations; two broods from May-September in the remainder of the range. Wing span: 1 1/8 - 1 5/8 inches (2.9 - 4.2 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Blue grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis) and needlegrass (Stipa). Adult food: Flower nectar. Habitat: Short-grass prairie, sagebrush, open woodland. Range: High plains from central Alberta east to southern Manitoba; south to east-central California, southeast Arizona, west and north Texas; south to southern Mexico. A stray to southwest Iowa and eastern Minnesota. Conservation: Not usually required. NatureServe Global Status: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: None reported. | Documented Records for Hesperia uncas
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