Leonard’s Skipper
(Hesperia leonardus pawnee)
Grass Skippers
Appearance: This is a large skipper. Below, brownish-orange, sometimes with small postmedian white spots. Above, males brownish-orange with yellow felt inside thin black stigma and broad, dark brown borders; females are dark with contrasting pale tan spots. Similar to Ottoe Skipper which flies much earlier in the season.
Wingspan: Small; 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 inches.
Habitat: Open grassy areas, including short grass prairie, meadows, fields; plains.
Flight Times: August to October; one brood. First-stage caterpillars hibernate.
Larval Foodplant: Grasses, including little bluestem.
Did You Know…
This strong flier nectars on gayflower, asters, teasel, and thistles.
