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
Get your BAMONA Gear!

Hoodies and t-shirts in two designs!


Advertise with us!

Do you have a product or service that you think would interest BAMONA users? If you would like to advertise on this website, contact us by email, or use the contact form and select the "Advertising" category.