Home
Species Detail
Plains Skipper
Hesperia assiniboia (Lyman, 1892)
Attributes of Hesperia assiniboiaFamily: Skippers (Hesperiidae) Subfamily: Grass Skippers (Hesperiinae) Identification: Antennae relatively long. Wing fringes white or pale. Upperside with tawny areas reduced giving dark appearance. On underside of hindwing chevron of small separate white or yellowish spots, often grouped. Spots sometimes absent. Life history: To await receptive females, males perch near the host plant or on ridges. Females scatter eggs on or near the host; caterpillars eat leaves and live in nests of tied leaves. Eggs overwinter. Flight: One flight from late June to early September. Wing span: 13/16 - 1 1/4 inches (2.1 - 3.0 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Various grasses and possibly sedges. Adult food: Nectar from many flowers including asters, goldenrods, and blazing star. Habitat: Native short- or mid-grass prairies and aspen parkland. Range: Southern Canadian prairie provinces and northern plains states. Conservation: Not usually required. NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: None reported. | Documented Records for Hesperia assiniboia |
  |  |
