Species Insects & ArthropodsCommon Branded Skipper

Common Branded Skipper

Hesperia comma

UncommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Common Branded Skipper (Hesperia comma)

The Common Branded Skipper is a small, orange-brown skipper with a stigma (scent patch) on the male's forewing and a distinctive curved row of pale spots on the hindwing below that is used in identification. It inhabits native grasslands and flies in a single brood in late summer. This is the same species found across Europe and Asia, making it one of the most widespread butterflies in the world.

Habitat
Native prairie, grasslands, and open rocky slopes
Diet
Larvae: native grasses. Adults: nectar
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Common Branded Skipper

The best time to see a Common Branded Skipper is August, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 330 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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