ExploreInsects

Obscure Skipper

Panoquina panoquinoides

The Obscure Skipper is a small butterfly with beautiful patterns on its wings. It flits around in sunny spots, making it a fun sight to see while exploring nature.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Obscure Skipper is a small, brownish-gray to yellowish-brown butterfly, often with faint, obscure clear spots on its forewings. Its robust body and broad head differentiate it, giving it a somewhat moth-like appearance despite its daytime activity. The underside is typically lighter.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyHesperiidaeGenusPanoquina
Obscure Skipper
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Obscure Skipper

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

After changing from a pupa, adults only live a few short weeks!

Female skippers lay their tiny eggs one by one on marsh plants!

Its caterpillars munch on tough marsh grasses!

They taste sweet nectar with special sensors on their feet!

Special abilities

Ability

Lightning Flight

Obscure Skipper can zip away incredibly fast with its erratic, darting flight pattern, making it hard for predators to catch.

Ability

Nectar Straw

Obscure Skipper has a long, coiled proboscis that helps them sip sweet nectar from deep inside various flowers.

Ability

Marsh Camouflage

Obscure Skipper has drab brownish colors that help them blend perfectly with the dry grasses and reeds of their marsh habitat.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-35 mm
Size
15-20 mm
Lifespan
7-14 days
Flight Speed
20 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adult Obscure Skippers sip sweet nectar from various marsh flowers; caterpillars munch on tough grasses.

Age differences: Larvae eat specific marsh grasses; adults drink flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • flower nectar
  • Smooth Cordgrass
  • Saltmeadow Cordgrass

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

depends on

Smooth Cordgrass

Spartina alterniflora

Caterpillars feed on its leaves for growth.

depends on

Saltmeadow Cordgrass

Spartina patens

Another key food source for young caterpillars.

eats

Green Darner

Anax junius

This dragonfly preys on adult skippers in marshes.

eats

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

Wading birds like the Willet may consume adult skippers.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be gentle and watch butterflies from a distance so they don't get scared.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Obscure Skipper's wingspan?

25-35 mm

How big is Obscure Skipper?

15-20 mm

How long does Obscure Skipper live?

7-14 days

How fast can Obscure Skipper fly?

20 km/h

What does Obscure Skipper eat?

Adult Obscure Skippers sip sweet nectar from various marsh flowers; caterpillars munch on tough grasses.

Where is Obscure Skipper usually found?

Grasslands

How does Obscure Skipper hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Obscure Skipper have?

6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Insects