The Swarthy Skipper butterfly is a southern species that occasionally strays north. The Swarthy Skipper is a small skipper with the uppersides of both wings being dark brown, while the undersides of both wings are a lighter brown. The Swarthy Skipper has no distinct markings on either the fore or hindwings

 

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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

 

Swarthy Skipper Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Little Bluestem

Nectar Plants:

• Nectar from various flowers
  • Red Clover
  • Tick Trefoil
  • Purple Vetch
  • New Jersey Tea
  • Peppermint
  • Blue Sage
  • Everlasting Pea
  • Wild Petunia
  • Blazing Star