List of butterflies of North America (Hesperiidae) facts for kids

Skippers are a fascinating group of insects that are often seen as a bridge between butterflies and moths. They get their name from their quick, darting flight, which looks like they are "skipping" through the air. Skippers have stout bodies, large heads, and hooked antennae, which help tell them apart from other butterflies.

There are many different kinds of skippers found all over North America. Scientists group them into several main families, each with unique features. Let's explore some of these amazing skipper groups!

Subfamily Pyrrhopyginae: Firetips

Firtips are a small group of skippers known for their bright colors, especially red or orange, often on their bodies or wing edges. They are usually found in warmer climates.

• Dull firetip, Pyrrhopyge araxes

Subfamily Pyrginae: Spread-Wing Skippers

The Silver-spotted skipper is a common sight in many gardens and fields.

Spread-wing skippers are named for how they often rest with their wings held flat and open, or only slightly folded. They are usually medium-sized and can be quite fast flyers. Many have interesting patterns on their wings.

One common type is the Silver-spotted skipper (Epargyreus clarus). It's easy to spot because of the bright silver patch on its hindwings. You might see them fluttering around gardens and fields, especially in eastern North America.

The Long-tailed skipper has distinctive "tails" on its hindwings.

Another interesting one is the Long-tailed skipper (Urbanus proteus). As its name suggests, it has long, slender tails on its hindwings. These skippers are often a beautiful iridescent green or blue.

• Golden banded-skipper, Autochton cellus
• Common checkered-skipper, Pyrgus communis
• Hoary edge, Achalarus lyciades
• Southern cloudywing, Thorybes bathyllus
• Funereal duskywing, Erynnis funeralis
• Horace's duskywing, Erynnis horatius
• White checkered-skipper, Pyrgus albescens
• Tropical checkered-skipper, Pyrgus oileus

Subfamily Heteropterinae: Skipperlings

The Arctic skipper is found in cooler, northern regions.

Skipperlings are generally smaller than other skippers. They often have delicate wings and a more gentle flight pattern. Many species in this group are found in specific habitats, like damp meadows or high altitudes.

The Arctic skipper (Carterocephalus palaemon) is a good example. It's a small, dark skipper with orange spots, and it lives in cooler, northern areas, including parts of North America.

• Russet skipperling, Piruna pirus
• Four-spotted skipperling, Piruna polingi

Subfamily Hesperiinae: Grass Skippers

The European skipper is a small, orange-brown butterfly.

Grass skippers are the largest group of skippers. They are often found in grassy areas, as their name suggests, and their caterpillars usually feed on grasses. They tend to have a more compact body shape and a very fast, direct flight.

The European skipper (Thymelicus lineola) is a small, orange-brown skipper that was introduced to North America and is now quite common in many areas.

The Dakota skipper is an endangered species.

The Dakota skipper (Hesperia dacotae) is a rare and endangered species. It lives in specific prairie habitats and is known for its bright orange-brown wings. Protecting its habitat is very important for its survival.

The Zabulon skipper shows different colors between males and females.

The Zabulon skipper (Poanes zabulon) is interesting because the males and females look quite different. Males are bright orange and brown, while females are darker with lighter spots.

Roadside-skippers are often found along paths and open areas.

Roadside-skippers are another common type within this group. They are usually small and brown, often found along roadsides or in open, sunny areas. The Lace-winged roadside-skipper (Amblyscirtes aesculapius) is one example, known for its delicate wing patterns.

• Least skipper, Ancyloxypha numitor
• Poweshiek skipperling, Oarisma poweshiek
• Fiery skipper, Hylephila phyleus
• Peck's skipper, Polites peckius
• Sachem, Atalopedes campestris
• Delaware skipper, Anatrytone logan
• Dun skipper, Euphyes vestris
• Brazilian skipper, Calpodes ethlius

Subfamily Megathyminae: Giant-Skippers

Giant-skippers are the largest skippers in North America. They are often found in dry, desert-like areas. Their caterpillars live inside the roots or stems of agave and yucca plants, which are tough, spiky plants.

• Orange giant-skipper, Agathymus neumoegeni
• Yucca giant-skipper, Megathymus yuccae
• Ursine giant-skipper, Megathymus ursus