The Hayhurst’s Scallopwing is a small, dark brown skipper with a distinctive scalloped wing margin and a checkered fringe. Two darker bands run across each upper wing, a feature that becomes more noticeable in worn individuals as the wing color fades to a lighter brown.

The forewings are marked with a few white, transparent (hyaline) spots and scattered small white flecks, which vary in number among individuals. Despite its subtle coloration, the Hayhurst’s Scallopwing stands out by its shape and patterning, especially when basking with wings spread in open, sunny areas.

 

Hayhurst’s Scallopwing, by Jim Arterburn, licensed under (CC  BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

Hayhurst’s Scallopwing Facts

Butterfly Family: Skipper (Hesperiidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Pyrginae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 1/2 – 1 7/8 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Roads, trails, and openings in woods; vacant weedy lots, and suburban gardens

 

🪴 Host Plants

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

• Chaff Flower (Alternanthera spp.)

• Lamb’s Quarters (Chenopodium album)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

Adult Hayhurst’s Scallopwings feed on nectar from the following native flowers:

• Dogbane (Apocynum spp.)

• Knotweed (Polygonum spp.)

• Spearmint (Mentha spicata)