Species Insects & ArthropodsFiery Skipper

Fiery Skipper

Hylephila phileus

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phileus)

The Fiery Skipper is a vivid orange-and-black skipper with a short, squared forewing and tiny, scattered black spots on the orange upperside. It is one of the most common skippers in suburban areas due to its larvae's preference for lawn grasses. Males are conspicuously territorial, perching on bare ground and aggressively defending small areas.

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

Best time to see a Fiery Skipper

The best time to see a Fiery Skipper is July–October, when about 69% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 94,410 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Fiery Skipper? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Fiery Skipper sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Fiery Skipper? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Fiery Skipper is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More insects & arthropods

Fingered Dagger Moth
Fingered Dagger Moth
Acronicta dactylina
Five-spotted Hawk Moth
Five-spotted Hawk Moth
Manduca quinquemaculata
Flame Carpet Moth
Flame Carpet Moth
Xanthorhoe ferrugata
Flat-headed Apple Tree Borer
Flat-headed Apple Tree Borer
Chrysobothris femorata
Flat-headed Maple Borer
Flat-headed Maple Borer
Dicerca divaricata
Forelius Ant
Forelius Ant
Forelius pruinosus
Funerary Dagger Moth
Funerary Dagger Moth
Acronicta funeralis
Furrow Orb Weaver
Furrow Orb Weaver
Larinioides cornutus