Northern white-skipper facts for kids

The northern white-skipper (scientific name: Heliopetes ericetorum) is a type of butterfly. It belongs to the Hesperiidae family. These butterflies are found in North America. Their home stretches from eastern Washington down to western Colorado. You can also find them in southern California, Arizona, and Baja California in northwestern Mexico.

Northern white-skippers like to live in open woodlands. They also enjoy chaparral areas, dry riverbeds, and desert mountains. Arid lands are another common place to spot them.

What it Looks Like

The northern white-skipper is a medium-sized butterfly. Its wingspan is usually between 32 and 38 millimeters. That's about 1.2 to 1.5 inches wide.

Male butterflies have mostly white wings. They have thin black V-shaped marks along the edges of their wings. Female butterflies look a bit different. Their markings are usually thicker and darker. They also have more black coloring near the base of their wings. Adult northern white-skippers can be seen flying from April to October.

Life Cycle and What it Eats

The young northern white-skipper butterflies are called larvae, or caterpillars. These caterpillars eat the leaves of mallow plants. Some of their favorite plants include Sphaeralcea, Althaea, and Malva species.

The larvae are quite clever. They build little shelters for themselves. They do this by rolling up or tying together leaves. This helps keep them safe while they grow.