The Common Sootywing is a relatively small butterfly in the skipper family. It has glossy black wings marked with small white spots, which are typically more numerous in females than in males. Among the sootywing species, the Common Sootywing is the darkest overall, with a sleek, velvety appearance that sets it apart.

This butterfly is often seen flying low to the ground in sunny, open areas such as gardens, fields, and roadsides, where it quickly darts from flower to flower.

 

“Common Sootywing” by Sara Bright

Common Sootywing Facts

Butterfly Family: Skipper (Hesperiidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Pyrginae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 – 1 5/16 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Open or disturbed areas such as landfills, vacant lots, gardens, roadsides, fields, and pastures

 

🪴 Host Plants

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

• Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)

• Cockscomb (Celosia spp.)

• Goosefoot (Chenopodium spp.)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

Adult Common Sootywings feed on nectar from the following native flowers:

• Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

• Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

• Dogbane (Apocynum spp.)

• Fogfruit (Phyla spp.)

• Ironweed (Vernonia spp.)

• Oxalis (Oxalis spp.)

• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

• Vervain (Verbena spp.)