The Swarthy Skipper is a small, subtly marked butterfly primarily found in the southern United States, though it occasionally strays northward. It prefers open, grassy habitats such as roadsides, fields, and lawns, where it can be seen flying low among the vegetation.

The upperside of both wings is a uniform dark brown, while the underside is a lighter, muted brown. This skipper lacks any distinct markings on either the forewings or hindwings, making it one of the plainest appearing skippers in the region. Its simple coloration can make identification a challenge, especially when at rest among dry grasses.

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Swarthy Skipper Facts

Butterfly Family: Skipper (Hesperiidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Hesperiinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 – 1 1/8 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Grassy, open areas such as sand barrens, meadows, hillsides, and fields

 

🪴 Host Plants

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

• Broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus)

• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

• Lopsided Indiangrass (Sorghastrum secundum)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

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

• Blazing Star (Liatris spp.)

• Blue Sage (Salvia azurea)

• New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)

• Purple Vetch (Vicia americana)

• Tick Trefoil (Desmodium spp.)

• Wild Petunia (Ruellia spp.)