Species Insects & ArthropodsOrange Skipperling

Orange Skipperling

Copaeodes aurantiaca

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Orange Skipperling (Copaeodes aurantiaca)

The Orange Skipperling is one of the smallest skippers in North America, with entirely bright orange wings almost free of markings. Despite its tiny size it is fast and alert. It inhabits dry, open areas of the South and Southwest and flies low among grass stems. Multiple generations are produced through the warm season in its southern range.

Habitat
Dry grassy areas, roadsides, and desert grasslands of the Southwest
Diet
Larvae: bermuda grass and other dry-land grasses. Adults: nectar from small flowers
How common
Common

Best time to see a Orange Skipperling

The best time to see a Orange Skipperling is May–September, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,330 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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