Broad-Winged Skipper
ExploreInsects
Broad-Winged Skipper
poanes viator
The Broad-Winged Skipper is a small, colorful butterfly that flits around in sunny meadows. Kids will love spotting these butterflies as they dance from flower to flower!
Habitat: Fields, gardens, and meadows near water sources.
Appearance
The Broad-Winged Skipper has broad, rounded wings, usually dark brown with an orange flush on the hindwings. Its forewings feature distinct yellow or orange spots and a prominent patch, while the underside often shows a duller yellow stripe.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyHesperiidaeGenusPoanes
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Baby skippers, called larvae, build tiny leaf tents to stay safe inside. Wow!
Did you know skippers have antennae with little hooks at the end? Wow!
They get their name from their broad wings and speedy, skipping flight! Wow!
Unlike many butterflies, they usually hold their hindwings flat when resting. Wow!
Special abilities
Ability
Speedy Zigzag
Broad-Winged Skipper can dart through the air with quick, erratic movements because of its powerful wing muscles that help them escape predators.
Ability
Proboscis Straw
Broad-Winged Skipper has a long, straw-like proboscis that helps them reach sweet nectar deep inside tubular flowers.
Ability
Sedge Sanctuary
Broad-Winged Skipper larvae can munch on tough sedge leaves because their bodies are adapted to digest these specific wetland plants.
Ability
Leafy Hideout
Broad-Winged Skipper caterpillars can roll and tie sedge leaves together to create a secure, hidden shelter from predators.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 35-50 mm
- Size
- 20-30 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult skippers sip flower nectar, while their young munch on leaves of wetland plants.
Age differences: Larvae eat plant leaves, while adults feed solely on flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- nectar
- sedge leaves
- marsh grass blades
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Tussock Sedge
Carex stricta
Larvae eat its leaves for growth and shelter.
pollinates
Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
Adults drink nectar, helping to spread its pollen.
pollinates
Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa
Another source of nectar for adult skippers.
eaten by
Common Green Darner
Anax junius
Fast-flying dragonflies prey on adult skippers.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Broad-Winged ButterflyMeadow Skipper
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Broad-Winged Skipper's wingspan?
35-50 mm
How big is Broad-Winged Skipper?
20-30 mm
How long does Broad-Winged Skipper live?
7-14 days
What does Broad-Winged Skipper eat?
Adult skippers sip flower nectar, while their young munch on leaves of wetland plants.
Where is Broad-Winged Skipper usually found?
Fields, gardens, and meadows near water sources.
How does Broad-Winged Skipper hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Broad-Winged Skipper have?
6
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