Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Orange Skipperling
Copaeodes aurantiaca (Hewitson, 1868)


Family: Hesperiidae
Subfamily: Hesperiinae
Identification: Both upper- and lowerside are orange. Upperside of male forewing has a narrow black stigma below the cell; female may have narrow black edging on the forewing.
Wing Span: 3/4 - 1 1/8 inches (1.9 - 2.9 cm).
Life History: Adults have a very rapid flight. To warm themselves, adults bask in the early morning, and males perch in gulches during the day to find receptive females.
Flight: Many broods from February-November in Texas; March-December in southern California; April-October in the north.
Caterpillar Hosts: Various grasses (Poaceae) including Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), and green spangletop (Leptochloa dubia).
Adult Food: Nectar from a variety of flowers
Habitat: Grasslands, grassy streamsides, fields, washes.
Range: Southern California, southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and west Texas south through Central America to Panama. Strays to eastern Texas, central Arkansas, central Kansas, and Colorado.
Conservation: Not usually required.
NCGR: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management Needs: None reported.
Comments: NULL