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Common Roadside Skipper

Amblyscirtes vialis

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Common Roadside Skipper (Amblyscirtes vialis)

The Common Roadside Skipper is a small, dark brown skipper with a checkered fringe and a few pale spots, flying very close to the ground along roadsides and woodland paths. It is frequently overlooked due to its small size and dark coloration. Males perch on roads and bare ground to watch for females. It is one of the most widespread roadside skippers in North America.

Habitat
Woodland roads, sunny forest paths, and roadsides
Diet
Larvae: grasses including bluegrass. Adults: nectar from flowers
How common
Common

Best time to see a Common Roadside Skipper

The best time to see a Common Roadside Skipper is April–June, when about 73% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,271 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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