Species › Insects & Arthropods › Sachem

Sachem

Atalopedes campestris

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Sachem (Atalopedes campestris)

The Sachem is a medium-sized skipper that is abundant in lawns and weedy areas, with large dark wing patches in males that make them easy to identify. It has expanded its range northward significantly in recent decades, likely in response to suburban lawn habitat and climate warming. Adults perch on low vegetation with a characteristically alert posture.

Habitat
Lawns, roadsides, fields, and suburban gardens
Diet
Larvae: bermuda grass and other lawn grasses. Adults: nectar
How common
Common

Best time to see a Sachem

The best time to see a Sachem is July–September, when about 70% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 69,119 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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