Long Dash
ExploreInsects
Long Dash
limochores mystic
The Long Dash is a lively little insect that loves to flit around flowers! With its vibrant colors and swift movements, it’s always a delight to spot in the garden.
Habitat: Long Dashes prefer sunny gardens and meadows filled with flowers.
Appearance
The Long Dash is a medium-sized skipper with dark brown wings, often showing subtle orange or yellowish-brown markings. Males are distinguished by a prominent, elongated dark streak (the 'stigma') on their forewings. Its robust body and large eyes give it a moth-like appearance, differentiating it from other butterflies.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyHesperiidaeGenusPolites
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adults visit many different wildflowers, acting as important pollinators for meadows and marshes.
Its name, Long Dash, comes from the male's distinct dark streak and its incredibly swift flight.
Long Dash caterpillars eat specific wetland grasses, making them very picky eaters!
Skippers have hooked antennae, making them look like a cool mix between moths and butterflies!
Special abilities
Ability
Lightning Flight
Long Dash can dart quickly through the air because of its powerful wings that help it evade predators and find flowers fast.
Ability
Nectar Straw
Long Dash has a long, coiled proboscis that helps them reach sweet nectar deep inside tall flowers.
Ability
Leaf Camouflage
Long Dash caterpillars can roll up leaves to create a hidden shelter, protecting them from hungry birds.
Ability
Body Armor
The Long Dash has a thick, furry body that helps them retain warmth, making them active even on cooler days.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 30-45 mm
- Size
- 25-35 mm
- Lifespan
- 14-28 days
- Flight Speed
- 20 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult Long Dashes drink flower nectar, while their caterpillars munch on wetland grasses.
Age differences: Adults consume nectar; larvae graze on plant leaves.
Primary Foods
- flower nectar
- swamp milkweed
- jewelweed
- buttonbush
- sedge leaves
- various wetland grasses
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
pollinates
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Swamp Milkweed
Asclepias incarnata
Drinks nectar, helps spread pollen.
pollinates
Jewelweed
Impatiens capensis
Nectars on flowers, aids plant growth.
eats
Bebb's Sedge
Carex bebbii
Caterpillars munch on its leaves.
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
A tasty meal for hungry birds.
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.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
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
Colorful FlyerSun Dancer
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Long Dash's wingspan?
30-45 mm
How big is Long Dash?
25-35 mm
How long does Long Dash live?
14-28 days
How fast can Long Dash fly?
20 km/h
What does Long Dash eat?
Adult Long Dashes drink flower nectar, while their caterpillars munch on wetland grasses.
Where is Long Dash usually found?
Long Dashes prefer sunny gardens and meadows filled with flowers.
How does Long Dash hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Long Dash have?
6
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