Leonard’s Skipper is a classic example of a “branded” skipper. It is dark brown with blocks of orange near the wing edges and a distinctive cream colored fringe. Two isolated orange spots appear near the outer edge of the forewing, helping to identify the species.

The forewing is orange at the base and brown along the margins. The hindwing of the male is a rich rust color, while the female’s hindwing is more chestnut in tone.

 

“Leonard’s Skipper” by Joshua Mayer, licensed (CC BY-SA 2.0)

 

Leonard’s Skipper Facts

Butterfly Family: Skipper (Hesperiidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Hesperiinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 1/4 – 1 3/4 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Open grassy areas including native prairies, fields, barrens, and meadows

 

🪴 Host Plants

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

• Bentgrass (Agrostis spp.)

• Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis)

• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

• Panic Grass (Panicum spp.)

• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

Adult Leonard’s Skippers feed on nectar from the following native flowers:

• Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)

• Beebalm (Monarda fistulosa)

• Blazing Star (Liatris spp.)

• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

• Ironweed (Vernonia spp.)

• Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.)

• Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.)

• Thistles (Cirsium spp.)