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Northern Broken-Dash
ExploreInsects
Northern Broken-Dash
Polites egeremet
The Northern Broken-Dash is a small butterfly with beautiful orange and brown wings. They love to flutter around flowers and can be seen in sunny places during the summer.
Habitat: Meadows
Appearance
The Northern Broken-Dash has a stout, fuzzy body and dark brown wings. Its forewings feature a distinctive broken line of yellow-orange spots, often appearing as a 'dash' or streak. This pattern helps distinguish it from similar small skippers.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyHesperiidaeGenusPolites
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adults only live for about two weeks, making every sunny day count for them!
Their tiny eggs are often laid one by one on blades of grass, like little jewels!
These skippers are like a mix of butterflies and moths, having features of both!
They have special antennae with hooks on the end, unlike true butterflies or moths!
Special abilities
Ability
Lightning Flight
Northern Broken-Dash can dart through the air at high speeds because of its powerful wing muscles that help it escape predators and find food quickly.
Ability
Leafy Lair Builder
Its caterpillar has the ability to roll and tie leaves together to create a sheltered home that helps it hide from birds and other dangers.
Ability
Nectar Straw
Northern Broken-Dash has a long proboscis, like a straw, that helps them sip nectar from deep flowers, giving them energy to fly and pollinate plants.
Ability
Master of Disguise
Northern Broken-Dash has mottled brown wings with cryptic patterns that help it blend perfectly with bark and dry leaves, making it hard to spot.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-35 mm
- Size
- 10-15 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 20 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip sweet nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on grassy leaves.
Age differences: Yes, larvae eat grass blades, but adults only drink flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Purple Coneflower
- Red Clover
- Switchgrass
- Big Bluestem
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
pollinates
Red Clover
Trifolium pratense
Adults help move pollen between these vibrant flowers.
depends on
Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum
Caterpillars exclusively feed on the leaves of this native grass.
eaten by
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
These birds sometimes prey on adult skippers, especially in open areas.
parasitizes
Braconid Wasp
Apanteles congregatus
Tiny wasps lay eggs on caterpillars, eventually consuming them.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
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.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
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
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch butterflies from a distance so they feel safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northern Broken-Dash's wingspan?
25-35 mm
How big is Northern Broken-Dash?
10-15 mm
How long does Northern Broken-Dash live?
7-14 days
How fast can Northern Broken-Dash fly?
20 km/h
What does Northern Broken-Dash eat?
Adults sip sweet nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on grassy leaves.
Where is Northern Broken-Dash usually found?
Meadows
How does Northern Broken-Dash hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Northern Broken-Dash have?
6
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