The Delaware Skipper is a small, bright orange butterfly commonly found in open grassy areas, meadows, and roadsides. This grass skipper is known for its vibrant coloration and quick, low flight.

The underside of the wings is a golden orange, with a thin brown border on the hindwing and a simple, unmarked appearance that helps distinguish it from similar species. The upperside is mostly orange, with black outlining the wing margins. A broad black band crosses the lower edge of the forewings, creating a strong contrast that is especially visible when the butterfly is basking with wings spread.

 

 

“Delaware Skipper” by Ken Slade, licensed under (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

Delaware Skipper Facts

Butterfly Family: Skipper (Hesperiidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Hesperiinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 – 1 11/16 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Moist areas including marshes, prairies, fields, roadsides, and suburban yards

 

🪴 Host Plants

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

• Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

• Broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus)

• Giant Cane (Arundinaria gigantea)

• Lopsided Indian Grass (Sorghastrum secundum)

• Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)

• Panic Grass (Panicum spp.)

• Redtop Panic Grass (Panicum rigidulum)

• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

• Woolly Beardgrass (Erianthus spp.)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

Adult Delaware Skippers feed on nectar from the following native flowers:

• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

• Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

• Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

• Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

• Dense Gayfeather (Liatris spicata)

• Fleabane (Erigeron spp.)

• Florida Phlox (Phlox floridana)

• Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum spp.)

• Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

• Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)

• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

• Thistle (Cirsium spp.)

• Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans)