European Skipper
Thymelicus lineola
Summary
This small, burnt-orange import was introduced to North America in 1910, and its range continues to expand. As a grass skipper, it can be found in meadows, pastures and other open areas. Like other grass skippers, it can’t fly too high, and males patrol grassy areas in search of a mate. Caterpillars eat timothy and other grasses, and adults feed on low-growing plants such as clovers, fleabane and milkweeds.
More Details
FAMILY
Hesperiidae (Skippers)
IDENTIFICATION
Wingspan: 0.98"-1.14" Dorsal forewing brassy orange with black veins and border.
HABITAT
Open areas, pastures, meadows, fields and roadsides.
LIFE CYCLE
One brood. Overwinters as egg. Adult is avid nectarer.
HOST PLANTS
Timothy grass
Ecosystem Connections
The caterpillars are herbivores that graze on leaves, and adults serve a role in pollination. All life stages provide food for predators. Because butterflies are so sensitive to toxins and disturbances in the environment, they are good indicators of the overall health of ecosystems.