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

Photo: Greg HumeCC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsView original ↗

Peck's Skipper

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

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

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

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

Pollinates

White Clover

Trifolium repens

Adults visit clover flowers for nectar.

Pollinates

Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

Skippers help pollinate milkweed plants.

Eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Robins are common predators of adult butterflies.

Eats

Kentucky Bluegrass

Poa pratensis

Caterpillars feed on leaves of various grasses.

Traits

Camouflaged

Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.

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.

Speedster

This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.

Pollinator

Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Insects

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?

Compare the wing outline, spots, bands, eyespots and wing edges. The underside can look completely different from the top. Check for tails, the antennae and where the markings sit instead of relying on color alone. Butterfly Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

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