Atalopedes campestris
Size:
Wingspan is
1 1/4 - 1 5/8 inches.
Similar Species:
Cobweb Skipper (female
in spring only)
Fiery Skipper (female)
Delaware Skipper
(Sachem males)
Indian Skipper (early summer in mtns)
Habitat:
Gardens, open fields, power line clearings, wooded edges, vacant lots
and roadsides.
Range/Abundance:
Very common region-wide,
but less common towards the coastal areas.
Flight Period:
Adults fly from early April until mid November in three broods with gaps
between broods.
Larval Host Plants:
Grasses including Bermuda Grass Cynodon dactylon, Crabgrass Digitaria,
St. Augustine Grass Stenotaphrum secundatum
Comments:
A very urban skipper and likely the most common skipper species you will
see in the garden. Learn to identify this skipper first and the other
skippers will be much easier to identify.
Worn males can appear just plain yellowish-orange giving the impression they are Delaware Skippers. Delaware Skippers are a brighter orange and slightly smaller.
The top photo was taken in Orange Co., NC on August 09, 2002. The second photo was taken in Wake Co., NC on October 04, 2003. The third photo was taken in Orange Co., NC on May 23, 2002. The fourth photo was taken in Bedford Co., VA on July 13, 2002. The bottom photo was taken in Orange Co., NC on October 05, 2003.
