Hesperia meskei
Size:
Wingspan is 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 inches.
Similar Species:
Delaware Skipper
Arogos Skipper (very
rare)
Habitat:
Sunny open longleaf pine stands and broomsedge fields. Frequently burned
areas where the grass is not mowed is a favorable habitat.
Range/Abundance:
Rare to uncommon in the sandhills
and coastal plains of NC and SC. Not found in VA or WV.
Flight Period:
Adults fly in two broods, the first during June and the second from early
September until late October. The first brood has been rarely recorded.
Larval Host Plants:
Grasses including Little Bluestem Andropogon scoparius and Arrowfeather
Threeawn Aristida purpurascens
Comments:
Finding this rare skipper is very difficult. Look for open grassy areas
in longleaf pine stands with lots of blue flowers. The rare Dotted
Skipper should also be found in the same habitat.
The top photo was taken in Richmond Co., NC on September 28, 2003. The second photo was taken in Scotland Co., NC on September 20, 1999. The bottom photo was taken in Scotland Co., NC on September 28, 2003.
