Tawny-Edged Skipper
ExploreInsects
Tawny-Edged Skipper
polites themistocles
The Tawny-Edged Skipper is a small, colorful butterfly that flits around flowers. Its wings have beautiful tawny edges, making it easy to spot in gardens and fields!
Habitat: Tawny-Edged Skippers are commonly found in fields, meadows, and gardens.
Appearance
The Tawny-Edged Skipper has a distinct tawny-orange patch on its forewings, sharply contrasting with its dark brown body and hindwings. This bright edge makes it stand out from other brown skippers, especially during its characteristic rapid, skipping flight.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyHesperiidaeGenusPolites
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult skippers only live for about two weeks, flying super fast!
Its caterpillar stage is sometimes called a "skipping worm"!
Some Tawny-Edged Skippers can overwinter as larvae in their leaf shelters!
They often 'puddle' on damp ground, drinking water for salty minerals!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Speed Flight
Tawny-Edged Skippers can dart quickly and erratically through the air because of their powerful flight muscles and unique wing shape.
Ability
Hidden Home Builder
The caterpillar can fold and silk-tie a leaf together, creating a safe, camouflaged shelter to hide from hungry predators.
Ability
Nectar Sipper
The Tawny-Edged Skipper has a long, straw-like tongue (proboscis) that helps it reach sweet nectar deep inside flowers.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-35 mm
- Size
- 15-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 12 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip sweet flower nectar; caterpillars munch on various grass leaves for energy.
Age differences: Caterpillars eat grass leaves, while adult skippers drink sweet flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- Nectar (from various flowers)
- Virginia wild rye
- Big bluestem
- Little bluestem
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
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Eastern Kingbird
Tyrannus tyrannus
often caught by birds flying through open fields.
eats
Virginia wild rye
Elymus virginicus
its caterpillars feed on the leaves of this grass.
pollinates
Red Clover
Trifolium pratense
visits red clover flowers, transferring pollen as it sips nectar.
eaten by
American Green Tree Frog
Hyla cinerea
can be prey for amphibians in damp meadow areas.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
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.
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
Edged SkipperTawny Skipper
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tawny-Edged Skipper's wingspan?
25-35 mm
How big is Tawny-Edged Skipper?
15-20 mm
How long does Tawny-Edged Skipper live?
10-14 days
How fast can Tawny-Edged Skipper fly?
12 km/h
What does Tawny-Edged Skipper eat?
Adults sip sweet flower nectar; caterpillars munch on various grass leaves for energy.
Where is Tawny-Edged Skipper usually found?
Tawny-Edged Skippers are commonly found in fields, meadows, and gardens.
How does Tawny-Edged Skipper hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Tawny-Edged Skipper have?
6
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