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Peck's Skipper

Polites peckius

Peck's Skipper is a small, brown butterfly that loves to flutter around flowers. They are quick and can be seen dancing in the air on sunny days.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Peck's Skipper is a small, stout-bodied butterfly with a rusty orange-brown upperside and distinctive black markings. Males have a prominent black scent patch (stigma) on their forewings. Its hindwings feature a unique row of pale, square-like spots on the underside, setting it apart.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyHesperiidaeGenusPolites
Peck's Skipper
camouflaged trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badge
Peck's Skipper

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

27

Interesting facts

Wow! Early scientists sometimes mistook these fast-flying insects for bees!

Wow! Its caterpillar eats grass, but the adult Peck's Skipper sips flower nectar!

Wow! Skippers are often considered a mix between a butterfly and a moth!

Wow! The antennae of a Peck's Skipper have a tiny hook at the very end!

Special abilities

Ability

Lightning Dash

Peck's Skipper can fly in quick, erratic darting movements, making them incredibly difficult for predators to catch.

Ability

Grassy Cloak

Peck's Skipper has a body shape and coloration that helps them blend perfectly into tall grasses, hiding from hungry birds.

Ability

Sweet Sipper

Peck's Skipper has a long, coiled proboscis that helps them reach deep inside flowers to drink sugary nectar.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-35 mm
Size
10-15 mm
Lifespan
14-30 days
Flight Speed
20 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adult Peck's Skippers drink sweet nectar from flowers, while their caterpillars munch on grass.

Age differences: Larvae eat grasses, while adults feed on flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Clover nectar
  • Thistle nectar
  • Milkweed nectar
  • Various grasses

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are friendly and gentle, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Peck's Skipper?

The easiest way to identify Peck's Skipper is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

What is Peck's Skipper's wingspan?

25-35 mm

How big is Peck's Skipper?

10-15 mm

How long does Peck's Skipper live?

14-30 days

How fast can Peck's Skipper fly?

20 km/h

What does Peck's Skipper eat?

Adult Peck's Skippers drink sweet nectar from flowers, while their caterpillars munch on grass.

Where is Peck's Skipper usually found?

Grasslands

How does Peck's Skipper hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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