Tawny-edged Skipper
(Polites themistocles)
Grass Skippers
Appearance: Above, dark brown with tawny leading edge of forewing. Male has pronounced thick black stigma; female may have light spots. Below, olive to light brown, contrasting with the tawny leading edge on forewing.
Wingspan: Small; 7/8 to 1 3/8 inches.
Habitat: Moist, grassy areas, meadows, prairies, roadsides, fields; foothills.
Flight Times: June to July; one brood (mountains) – April and September; two broods (lower elevations).
Larval Foodplant: Grasses.
Did You Know…
This species adapts to urban areas, becoming “lawn skippers.” Caterpillars feed on leaves of grasses and live in shelters of tied leaves. Chrysalis overwinters.
