The Common Roadside Skipper is found across most of the United States and southern Canada, with scattered populations west of the Rockies. The underside of the wings is dark brownish black, marked with numerous tiny whitish flecks. The forewing apex and the outer portion of the hindwing are tinged with violet gray.

The upperside of the wings is black, featuring a cluster of small white spots near the tip of the forewing. Both males and females have a checkered fringe along the wing edges.

 

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Common Roadside-Skipper Facts

Butterfly Family: Skipper (Hesperiidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Hesperiinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 7/8 – 1 1/4 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Open areas in or near woodland, often close to streams

 

🪴 Host Plants

These are the plants where females lay eggs and caterpillars feed:

• Bent Grass (Agrostis spp.)

• Indian Wood Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

Adult Common Roadside-Skippers feed on nectar from the following native flowers:

• Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris)

• Vervain (Verbena spp.)