Species Insects & ArthropodsByssus Skipper

Byssus Skipper

Problema byssus

RareInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Byssus Skipper (Problema byssus)

The Byssus Skipper is a large, orange skipper of coastal prairies and grassy clearings, with males showing brilliant golden-orange upper wings. It is restricted to native prairie and savanna habitats and is declining with the loss of these ecosystems. The caterpillar feeds on eastern gamma grass, a native prairie grass of the South and East. Its restricted range makes it a conservation priority.

Habitat
Coastal prairies and native grassland savannas
Diet
Larvae: eastern gamma grass. Adults: nectar from flowers
How common
Rare

Best time to see a Byssus Skipper

The best time to see a Byssus Skipper is June–August, when about 71% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,047 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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

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

Recent Byssus Skipper sightings near you

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

Spot a Byssus 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 Byssus 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

Cabbage White
Cabbage White
Pieris rapae
Cabbage White Parasitoid
Cabbage White Parasitoid
Cotesia glomerata
Cactus Bee
Cactus Bee
Diadasia enavata
Cactus Dodger Cicada
Cactus Dodger Cicada
Cacama valvata
Calico Pennant
Calico Pennant
Celithemis elisa
California Ringlet
California Ringlet
Coenonympha california
California Root Borer
California Root Borer
Prionus californicus
California Sister
California Sister
Adelpha californica