Hesperia sassacus
Size:
Wingspan is 1 1/4 - 1 3/8 inches.
Similar Species:
Long Dash
Sachem (female)
Habitat:
Grassy balds, meadows, woodland openings and rocky outcrops. Always found
at higher elevations in the mountains.
Range/Abundance:
Uncommon to rare in the northern
mountains in early summer.
Flight Period:
Adults fly from mid May until early July in a single brood.
Larval Host Plants:
Grasses including Little Bluestem Andropogon scoparius, Panic
Grass Panicum, and Red Fescue Festuca rubra
Comments:
This skipper species is a hill topper. Spruce Knob is a good place to
find them. They can be easily confused with Long
Dash. It would be best to get a look above before you clinch the ID.
The top photo was taken in Clay Co., NC on May 24, 2002. The second and bottom photos were taken along Gatewood Campground Rd and Spruce Knob Rd in Pendleton Co., WV on June 24, 2003. The third photo was taken in Randolph Co., WV on June 25, 2003.
