A small federally endangered skipper of northern prairies. Down to a few sites due to grass conversion.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Hesperia dacotae, the Dakota skipper, is a small to medium-sized North American butterfly. It has a wingspan of approximately one inch and the antennae form a hook. The male's wings are a tawny-orange to brown on the forewings with a prominent mark and dusty yellow on the lower part of the wing. The female wing is a darker brown orange and white spots on the forewing margin.
Source: Wikipedia — Hesperia dacotae Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Small brown skipper with darker forewing markings.
Similar species. Other skipper species (often require detailed examination).
Voice. N/A
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Adults: nectar. Caterpillars: native grasses.
Behavior. Among the most range-restricted US butterflies. Single brood per year tied to specific native grasses.
§ Range
Northern tallgrass prairie
§ Habitat
Native tallgrass and mixed-grass prairie
§ Threats
Tallgrass prairie loss to row crops, fire suppression, drought.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the dakota skipper is currently classified as Endangered.
§ What helps
Support prairie restoration. Donate to TNC prairie programs.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Hesperia dacotae
- www.fws.gov — authoritative profile of Hesperia dacotae
- iNaturalist · taxon 118026
- IUCN Red List — search for Hesperia dacotae
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Hesperia dacotae
§ Sources cited
- USFWS Recovery Plan
- Xerces Society
- iNaturalist
